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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institiita  for  Historical  Microreproductions  institut  canadien  de  microreproductions  historiques 

1980 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibiiographiques 


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D 
D 
D 

D 


D 
D 
D 
D 

D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


Covers  damaged/ 
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Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pellicui^e 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


D 


Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


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Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


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obtenir  la  meiiieure  image  possible. 


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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

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10X  14X  18X  22X 


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V 


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16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


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empreinte. 


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shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED'),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


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required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  §tre 
filmds  i  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
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reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

"  The  Battle  of  our  Life  is  brief. 
The  ahxrm,—the  struggle,— the  relief 
Then  sleep  Tir  side  by  side^ 

— L  0  ng fellow. 


CHURCHYARD  LITERATURE: 


A  CHOICE  COLLECTION 


OF 


AMERICAN  EPITAPHS. 

WITH    REMARKS 

ON  MONUMENTAL  INSCRIPTIONS  AND  THE 
OBSEQUIES   OF  VARIOUS  NATIONS. 

BY   JOHN    R.    KIPPAX, 

MEMBER   OF   THE    ARCH.EOLOGICAL    SOCIETY. 

"  Let's  talk  of  graves  and  worms  and  epitaphf^r —S/it,fJkes/>ear(^. 


70/ 


CHICAGO: 
S.C.GRIGGS    AND   COMPANY. 

1877. 


l> 


^,pp^,X,^ 


Copyright,  1876,  by 
JOHN   R.   KIPPAX. 


FBKSS  OF  BLAKBLY  *  BROWN, 


To  ALL 


WHO    E»ER    IN  MUSING, 


HAVE    IN    FACT   OR    FANCY    STROLLEt)^ 


"  Midst  Skulls  and  Coffins,  Epitaphs  and  Worms; 


Where  Light-heeled  Ghosts  and  Visionary  Shades, 


Perform  their  Mystic  RoundSj" 


♦  t 


is    RESPECTFULLY    DEDICATED. 


r 


COKTEXTS5. 


PAOC 

Introduction 9 

Epitaphs  on  Eminent  Personages 37 

Admonitory  Epitaphs 65 

Devotional  Epitaphs 87 

Adulatory,  Laudatory  and  Bombastic  Epitaphs 103 

Professional  Epitaphs 129 

Ludicrous,  Eccentric  and  Ridiculous  Epitaphs 147 

Punning  and  Satirical  Epitaphs 167 

Miscellaneous  Epitaphs 177 

Index ' 199 


PREFACE. 


There  is  no  need  that  much  should  be  said  bv  way 
of  preface  to  tlie  following  pages  of  what  might  aptly 
be  styled  grave  literature.  The  simple  fact  that  tlie 
"Way-Bills"  of  America's  Dead  have  hitherto  been 
but  indifferently  recorded  is  certainly  a  sufficient  ex- 
cuse for  the  appearance  in  print  of  these  gleanings. 

As  a  collection  of  epitaphs  this  mnst  not  be  sup- 
posed to  include  all  that  have  been  written  in  this 
country  since  1492,  but  only  such  as  have  come 
under  my  own  personal  observation,  or  have  been 
contributed  by  friends  during  the  last  five  years. 

The  remarks  on  monumental  inscriptions  and  the 
funeral  rites  and  obsequies  of  various  nations  have 


If    i 


8  PRKFAOE. 

been  made  as  condensed  and  exhaustive  as  was  jxjssi- 
hle  within  the  limits  assigned  to  an  introduction. 

The  culling  and  arranging  of  this  material,  tliough 
the  work  of  odd  moments  and  little  remnants  of  time, 
proved  a  matter  of  no  little  difficulty  and  labor. 

To  my  many  friends  who  have  so  kindly  aided  me 
in  making  the  compilation,  my  thanks  are  due;  but 
especially  am  I  indebted  to  the  Misses  U.  M.  Booth  of 
Chicago,  Illinois,  and  A.  M.  Laurie  of  T^orristown, 
Penn.,  for  iheir  valuable  assistance. 

And  yet  while  feeling  perfectly  justiKed  in  present- 
ing this  innovation  on  American  literature  to  the 
public,  "  I  am  not  ignorant,  ne  unsure  that  many 
there  are  before  whose  sight  this  Hook  shall  tlnde 
small  irrace  and  lesse  favour." 


J.  R.  K. 


Oak  Park,  Nov.  5,  1876. 


I 
I 


/ 


it  i 


INTRODUCTORY. 


INTRODUCTION. 


:F  all  the  materials  presented  to  the  student  of 
history  for   his  examination,  few  occupy  a 
i^  place  at  once  so  peculiar  and  important  as  the 
memoi'ials  of  the  dead. 

The  "men  of  renown  "  when  the  world  was  young 
have  left  their  records  in  the  "  Acres  of  God." 

The  pyramids  and  rock-hewn  structures  of  India 
and  Thebes,  the  remains  of  Aztec  temples,  the  tab- 
lets of  Phoenicia  and  Egypt,  the  mounds  of  Scandi- 
navia and  of  our  own  continent,  have  taught  us  much 
that  we  know  of  nations,  once  puissant^  but  long 
since  departed. 

The  annals  of  the  race  have  been  revealed  by  the 
vestiges  of  the  tombs,  voices  from  the  dead  have  ex- 
plained obscure  passages  of  classic  writers,  and  lights 
from  the  grave  have  given  an  insight  into  the  cir- 
cumstances that  governed  our  ancestors  in  pre-his- 
toric  times. 

The  custom  of  erecting  memorials  to  the  dead  is 
almost  coeval  with  the  existence  of  mankind. 

Sometimes  these  relics  are  all  that  is  left  of  a  nation, 

11 


12 


INTRODUCTION. 


II 


and  as  Ferguson  remarks,  "  without  the  lessons  we 
learn  from  them,  the  architectural  history  of  Rome 
is  an  unintelligible  maze,  f4,nd  the  connection  between 
the  arts  of  Greece  and  Italy,  from  the  earliest  time, 
equally  inexplicable." 

The  "tomb-hillocks  "  of  Peru  and  Chili,  the  mounds 
of  Mexico  and  the  barrows  of  North  America,  reveal 
to  us  traces  of  the  genius  of  races  that  else  would  have 
been  lost  in  oblivion. 

,  The  earliest  forms  of  memorials  are  supposed  to  be 
the  mound  and  the  pyramid.  Yet  the  first  record  is 
of  the  pillar  raised  by  a  sorrowing  patriarch  to  the 
Rachel  he  had  loved  and  lost,  and  that  record,  grand 
in  its  simplicity,  suggests  the  hallowed  motives  for 
the  first  erection  of  monuments  to  the  dead. 

In  the  burial-places  of  Memphis  and  Thebes  we 
find  the  crowning  excellence  reached  in  the  erection 
of  ancient  sepulchral  mounds. 

:-:  Outside  of  Egypt,  the  oldest  tumulus  is  that  which 
Alyattes,  the  father  of  Croesus,  king  of  Lydia,  built 
for  himself  561  B.  C.  It  had  an  altitude  of  200  feet 
and  a  diameter  of  1180.  -     . 

The  mounds  or  tumuli  of  our  own  continent  owe 
their  origin  in  part,  doubtless,  to  the  "  mound  build- 
ers "  of  early  times,  and  in  part  to  a  custom  common 
among  many  of  the  North  American  Indians  of  hold- 
ing "Festivals  of  the  Dead,"  which  consisted  in 
gathering  together,  at  intervals  of  eight  or  ten  years, 
the  bones  of  their  departed,  and  depositing  them, 
amid  impressive  ceremonies,  in   a  common  grave. 


I '  i 

V  i 


lii 


I  I 


INTRODUCTION. 


18 


These  festivals  commenced,  says  Charlevoix,  "  by  the 
appointment  of  a  place  where  they  should  meet,  the 
choosing  of  a  president  of  the  feast,  and  the  sending 
of  invitations  to  neighboring  villages.  The  appointed 
day  arrived,  all  the  Indians  assembled,  and  went  in 
procession,  two  and  two,  to  the  cemetery.  After  a 
period  of  silence,  which  was  first  interrupted  by  the 
women  giving  vent  to  cries  of  lamentation,  they  pro- 
ceeded to  take  up  the  bodies,  arrange  the  separate 
and  dry  bones  and  place  them  in  packets  to  carry 
on  their  shoulders.  They  then  returned  in  the  same 
procession  in  which  they  came,  and  each  deposited  his 
burden  in  his  cabin.  During  the  procession  the  wom- 
en continued  their  lamentations,  and  the  men  testified 
the  same  marks  of  grief  as  on  the  death  of  the  person 
whose  bones  they  have. 

"  This  was  followed  by  a  feast  in  each  house  in 
honor  of  the  dead  of  the  family. 

"  The  succeeding  days  were  considered  as  public 
days,  and  were  spent  in  dancing,  games  and  combats, 
at  which  prizes  were  bestowed. 

"From  time  to  time,  they  uttered  cries,  which  were 
called,  '  les  oris  des  aines?  i 

"  After  some  days  thus  spent,  all  went  in  procession 
to  a  grand  council-room  fitted  for  the  occasion.  They 
then  suspended  the  bones  and  bodies  in  the  same  state 
as  they  had  taken  them  from  the  cemetery,  and  placed 
there  the  presents  intended  for  the  dead,  and  after- 
wards conveyed  them  to  the  spot  designated  as  their 
final  resting-place. 


14 


INTRODUCTION. 


"All  their  ceremonies  were  accompanied  with 
music,  both  instrumental  and  vocal,  to  which  each 
marched  in  cadence." 

Throughout  New  York  and  Canada,  these  extensive 
depositories,  which  generally  occupy  commanding 
positions,  are  familiarly  known  as  ''  bone  pits." 

In  Genessee  county,  N.  Y.,  are  the  remains  of  a 
once  large  inclosnre  called  "Bone  Fort,"  within 
which  was  found  a  UiOiind  six  teet  high  and  thirty 
feet  broad,  made  up  of  human  bones,  slightly  covered 
with  earth.  On  the  northern  shore  of  Ossipee  Lake, 
New  Hampshire,  overgrown  with  heavy  timber,  is  a 
mound  ten  feet  high  and  forty-five  feet  in  diameter; 
and  on  Tonnewanda  Island,  in  Niagara  river,  is  one 
originally  fifteen  feet  high. 

A  tumulus  near  Parkersburg,  in  West  Virginia  is 
seventy  feet  high;  and  one  near  Miamisburg  in  Ohio 
is  sixty-eight  feet. 

The  quadrangular  truncated  mound  of  Cahokia, 
Iliinors, opposite  St.  Louis,  had,  when  in  its  integrity 
and  before  it  was  encroached  upon  and  swept  away  by 
modern  improvement,  an  altitude  of  ninety  feet  and 
a  circumference  at  the  base  of  two  thousand  feet. 
That  at  Seltzertown,  Miss.,  is  six  hundred  feet  long, 
four  hundred  feet  broad  at  its  base,  and  forty  feet 
high,  and  covers  six  acres. 

Several  mounds  have  been  found  around  Barrie  in 
Canada,  and  near  Penetanqueshene  in  the  township 
of  Jiny,  a  funnel-shaped  pit  has  been  discovered 
measuring  fifteen  feet  in  diameter  and  nine  feet  deep. 


i' 


INTRODUCTION. 


16 


Another  was  found  in  the  township  of  Oro,  and  still 
others  in  the  Isle  Ronde,  situated  near  the  extremity 
of  Lake  Huron. 

In  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Missouri,  large 
cemeteries  have  been  discovered  in  which  skeletons 
were  found  packed  in  rude  coffins  composed  of  flat 
stones  placed  in  ranges  of  great  extent.  And  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Augusta,  Kentucky,  iron  and  arti- 
cles of  European  origin  have  been  unearthed,  with 
skeletons,  showing  conclusively  that  this  mode  of 
burial  must  have  been  customary  among  the  Indians 
up  to  a  late  period;  while  in  the  vicinity  of  Chica- 
go, Illinois,  near  Waldheim  cemetery,  on  the  banks 
of  the  Desplaines  river,  are  a  group  of  low  mounds, 
which  have  yielded  skulls  of  such  singular  conforma- 
tion, as  to  show  without  doubt  that  they  are  the 
crania  of  the  "  mound -builders,"  and  not  of  the  Red 
man.  Similar  ones  have  also  been  found  along  the 
Fox,  Rock,  Kankakee  and  Illinois  rivers. 

On  the  rock  bluffs  of  the  Osage  river,  and  in  the 
"  Cherokee  country,"  of  the  south,  mounds  of  more 
recent  origin  than  earthen  mounds  have  been  discov- 
ered. They  are  known  as  Stone  Mounds,  have  an 
altitude  of  five  feet  and  a  diameter  of  twenty  feet; 
and  owe  their  origin,  not  to  the  mound-builders,  but 
to  the  Indians.  ,  „ 

Near  Chester,  Illinois,  grave  hills  covering  lime- 
stone Gists^  each  containing  a  skeleton,  have  been 
found.  Similar  cists  have  been  seen  in  Missouri, 
Indiana  and  Tennessee.     On  the  Pacific  coast.  Shell 


16 


INTRODUCTION. 


111 


Mounds^  containing  numerous  skeletons  of  Indians, 
mostly  in  the  sitting  postnre,  are  common. 

Several  similar  mounds  have  also  been  observed  in 
Indiana  and  along  the  banks  of  the  Yazoo  and  Ten- 
nessee rivers. 

Dolmens^  which  are  common  in  England,  as  relics 
of  the  Druidical  age,  are  seldom  found  in  the  United 
States.  A  few,  however,  have  been  discoverod  in 
southern  Utah,  on  the  extreme  summit  of  the  Snowy 
Range. 

Urn  burial^  according  to  Dr.  Blanding,  appears  to 
have  been  practiced  to  some  extent  in  early  times 
throughout  the  Southern  States. 

In  the  mounds  near  Camden,  South  Carolina,  vases 
are  found  ranged  one  above  another,  and  occasionally 
a  skull  may  be  seen  placed  face  downwards  over  the 
mouth  of  a  vase,  thereby  acting  the  part  of  cover  to 
the  vessel,  which  had  evidently  been  too  small  to  re- 
ceive it.        •       ;  .      "  , 


The  three  principal  modes  of  disposing  of  the  dead 
have  been  embalming,  incremation  and   interment. 

Interment  has  a  hundred  fold  the  variety  of  either 
embalming  or  incremation.  "Earth  to  earth"  and 
"  Dust  to  dust "  was  the  earliest,  is  the  present,  and 
will  probably  be  the  prevailing  mode  of  burial  through 
all  time.  Tradition  buried  Adam  in  the  Island  of 
Serendib,  and  for  ages  guarded  his  resting-place  with 
mighty  lijns,  while  Eve  was  consigned  to  the  Holy 
Land  to  round  out  her  quiet  sleep  in  dust.        - 


INTRODUCTION. 


17 


With  referfence  to  the  custom  of  incremation,  we 
have  no  means  of  determining  its  origin,  though  the 
probability  is  that  it  arose  from  the  desire  to  remove 
all  possibilities  of  insult  or  ill-treatment  of  the  dead. 

The  practice  of  embalming  reached  its  highest 
state  of  perfection  with  the  Egyptians.  They  put 
their  wealthy  through  a  process  of  spicing  and  dry- 
ing which  occupied  a  period  of  seventy  days,  and 
stowed  them  away  in  the  tombs  of  Gizeh. 

The  Babylonians  embalmed  their  dead  in  honey, 
and  were  bitter  in  their  denunciation  of  incremation, 
deeming  such  a  performance  nothing  less  than  sacri- 
lege to  the  sun.  . 

The  Guanches,  the  aboriginal  inhabitants  of  the 
Canary  Islands,  also  rudely  embalmed  their  corpses, 
by  removing  the  entrails,  drying  the  bodies  in  the 
air,  and  covering  them  with  varnish. 

Prescott  says,  that  the  ancient  Peruvians  p''e8erved 
the  bodies  of  their  Incas  after  the  Egyptian  fashion, 
and  that  in  early  times  mummies  had  an  abiding  place 
in  Mexico. 

Prof.  Johnston,  in  alluding  to  the  folly  of  this  cus- 
tom, remarks  as  beautifully  as  truly: 

"  Embalm  the  loved  bodies,  swathe  them,  as  the 
old  Egyptians  did,  in  resinous  cerements,  and  you 
but  preserve  them  a  little  longer  that  some  wretched 
plundering  Arab  may  desecrate  and  scatter  to  the 
winds  the  residual  dust.  Or  jealously  in  rega"  tombs 
»'d  pyramids  preserve  the  forms  of  venerated  emper- 
Oj.s  or  beauteous  queens,  still,  some  future  conqueror. 


18 


INTRODUCTION. 


or  more  humble  Belzoiii,  will  rifle  the  most  secure 
resting-place.  Or  bury  them  in  the  most  sacred 
places,  beneath  high  altars,  a  new  reign  shall  dig 
them  np  and  mingle  them  again  with  the  common 
earth.  Or,  more  careful  still,  conceal  your  last  rest- 
ing place  where  local  history  keeps  no  record  and 
even  tradition  cannot  betray  yon:  then  accident  shall 
stumble  at  length  npon  ycur  unknown  tomb  and  lib- 
erate your  still  remaining  ashes." 

The  Thibetans  cut  in  pieces  the  bodies  of  their  dead, 
and  either  toss  them  into  the  lakes  to  feed  the  fishes, 
or  expose  them  on  the  hill-tops  for  the  benefit  of  the 
eagle  or  other  bird  of  pre3\ 

The  Parsees  lay  their  deceased  in  open  ston^  recep- 
tacles placed  on  Dakhmas  or  "Towers  of  Silence," 
where  Heaven-sent  birds,  the  vultures,  clean  the  bones, 
which  in  four  weeks  are  removed,  and  deposited  in 
wells  of  masonry,  there  to  commingle  with  the  dust  of 
whole  generations  gone  before. 

The  Ethiopians  disposed  of  the  dead  either  by 
throwing  them  into  the  river  or  by  preserving  them 
in  their  houses,  after  having  deposited  them  in  stat- 
ues of  gold,  silver  or  baked  clay,  and  inclosed  the 
whole  in  a  coftin  of  glass. 

The  ancient  Bactrians,  believing  this  a  world  of 
uses,  dispensed  witli  all  funeral  rites,  sufiered  the  bod- 
ies of  their  departed  friends  and  relatives  to  be  eaten 
by  animals,  and  even  provided  for  the  removal  of  the 
enfeebled  and  helpless,  whether  through  age  or  sick- 


I 


INTRODUCTION. 


19 


uess,  by  keeping  large   and  savage  dogs  to  devour 
them.  ' 

The  ancient  Greeks  we^'e  enjoined  by  law  to  burn 
the  dead,  and  yet  the  Atheniauo  occasionally  interred 
their  bodies. 

With  the  Romans,  the  deceased  was  allowed  to  re- 
main unburied  seven  days  before  this  rite  was  per- 
formed, and  on  each  day  was  washed  with  hot  water 
and  fragrant  oils. 

The  Burmese  priests  before  burying  a  body,  if  it 
be  one  of  rank,  enclose  it  in  a  varnished  coffin,  sing 
hymns  over  it,  and  have  a  grand  procession.  Thev 
then  place  it  on  a  i>yre  of  precious  M'oods  erected  for 
the  occasion,  which  is  afterwards  ignited  and  allowed 
to  burn  till  nearly  consumed,  when  the  body  is 
snatched  from  the  flames,  and  the  charred  remnants 
given  decent  burial  in  some  adjoining  graveyard. 

The  Mongol  Tartars  burn  the  bodies  of  their 
princes  and  chief  priests,  while  the  remaining  Tartar 
tribes  practice  both  incremation  and  burial. 

The  Tonquinese  burn  their  dead,  and  store  away 
the  ashes  in  cinerary  urns. 

On  the  Himalayan  slopes,  the  Sikkim  burn  the 
bodies  of  departed  friends  and  relatives,  and  scatter 
the  ashes  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven. 

The  Cheyenne  Indian,  like  the  ancient  Scythian, 
hangs  this  "strange  fruit"  among  the  foliage  of  his 
native  ibrests,  a  prey  to  the  vulture,  and  the  sport  of 
every  wind  and  storm,  or  else,  encased  in  a  covering 
of  willows,  places  it  with  the  feet  southward   upon  a 


p 


20 


INTRODUCTION. 


platform  in  some  cotton-wood  tree,  convinced  that 
with  an  abundance  of  the  necessities  for  tlie  trip,  in 
the  shape  of  food,  arms  and  tobacco,  his  spirit  will 
eventually  be  gathered  to  Maniton,  the  protector  of 
the  Happy  Hunting  Grounds. 

The  tribes  of  Oonalaska  and  Nootka  Sound  bury 
the  dead  on  the  tops  of  hills,  place  a  little  tumulus 
over  the  spot,  and  expect  every  passer-by  to  help 
erect  a  monument  by  throwing  a  stone  on  the  heap. 


Such,  in  brief,  has  been  the  order  of  things 
throughout  many  of  the  ancient  and  semi-barbarous 
"  realms  of  peace." 

But  as  we  journey  along  through  the  silent  land, 
the  cotton-wood  tree  and  the  cinerary  urn  fade  in  the 
distance,  the  catacomb,  the  mound  and  the  pyramid 
dissolve  from  view,  and  we  come  upon  those  "bovvers 
of  bliss,''  where  "birds  may  carol  at  their  own  sweet 
will"  to  the  patient  sleepers  beneath  the  sequestered 
shades  of  our  modern  cemeteries.  As  has  been  beau- 
tifully written,  "Can  'couch  more  magnificent'  be 
sought  for  than  the  beautiful  open  cemetery,  festooned 
with  richest  foliage,  and  glorified  with  the  sunshine, 
the  incense  of  flowers  and  the  chants  of  winds? 

"How  much  better  is  it  to  place  the  remains  of  our 
loved  ones  beneath  the  green  sod  and  the  blue  canopy 
of  heaven,  than  in  crowded  crypts  and  corners  of  an 
antique  abbey — the  open  temple  of  nature,  than  the 
contracted  one  of  art." 

"Oiir  blessed  Saviour,"  says   Evelyn,  "chose   the 


INTRODUCTION. 


21 


garden  sometimes  for  his  oratory — and  dying,  for  the 
place  of  his  sepulchre;  and  we  do  avouch,  for  many 
weighty  causes,  that  there  are  no  places  more  fit  to 
bury  our  dead  in  than  our  gardens  and  groves  or  airy 
fields,  8uh  dis,  where  our  beds  may  be  decked  and 
carpeted  with  verdant  and  fragrant  flowers,  trees  and 
perennial  plants,  the  most  natural  and  instructive 
hieroglyphics  of  our  expected  resurrection  and  immor- 
tality." 

Many  are  the  beautiful  gardens  of  graves  that  are 
scattered  through  our  land.  New  York  has  its 
Greenwood;  Boston,  Mount  Auburn;  Philadelphia, 
Laurel  Hill;  Chicago,  Rose  Hill  and  Calvary,  Grace- 
land  and  Oakwood;  Savannah,  its  most  beautiful  of 
burying  grounds,  and  each  and  every  other  city  and 
town  its  own  cemetery.  Some  of  these  acquire  pecul- 
iar interest  in  that,  side  by  side  with  their  brothers 
of  Revolutionary  fame,  sleep  many  of  the  heroes  of 
civil  strife  who  fell  in  the  cause  of  liberty. 

"All  their  conflicts  ended  now,  and  they  in  rest, 
which  would  be  eternal  but  for  that  last  trump  which 
shall  startle  all  the  armies  to  the  grand  and  ultimate 


review. 


5> 


In  the  "  dull  churchyard"  and  amidst 

"Those  hillocks  of  mortality, 

Where  proudest  man  is  only  found 

By  a  small  hillock  in  the  ground,"  ' 

how  appropriate  the  planting  of  such  emblems  as  the 
ivy,  the  cypress  and  the  pine,  and  the  bedecking  of  the 


I 


i  ! 


22 


INTRODUCTION. 


{[graves  with  flowers;  the  cypress  and  the  pine  be- 
tokening death;  and  the  ivy  immortality,  while  the 
flowers,  besides  being  beautiful  in  themselves,  are 
suggestive  of  every  other  kind  of  beanty. 

"  Flowers,"  says  Leigh  Hunt,  "  are  evidences  of 
Nature's  good  nature;  they  neutralize  bad  with  good; 
beautify  good  itself;  make  life  livelier;  and  anticipate 
the  spri.ig  of  heaven  over  their  winter  of  the  grave. 
Their  very  frailty,  and  the  shortness  of  their  lives, 
please  us,  because  of  this  their  indestructible  associa- 
tion with  beauty,  for  while  they  make  us  regret  our 
own  like  transitory  existence,  they  soothe  us  with  a 
consciousness,  however  dim,  of  our  power  to  perceive 
beauty;  therefore,  of  our  wish  with  something  divine 
and  deathless,  and  of  our  right  to  hope  that  immortal 
thoughts  will  have  immortal  realization." 

In  the  "  Cities  of  Silence"  of  Turkey,  the  graves 
are  adorned  with  leaves  of  the  palm  tree,  and  marked 
by  boughs  of  myrtle  and  cypress. 

At  funerals  the  Scandinavians  strew  the  path  to 
the  grave  with  branches  of  box  and  fir,  and  occasion- 
ally with  artificial  flowers. 

The  Laplander  uses  evergreens,  and  the  Welshman 
bay  leaves. 

White  roses  were  often  used  as  tokens  of  virgin 
purity  and  innocence,  while  as  an  emblem  of  frail 
mortality  the  rose  was  sometimes  blended  with  the 
lily,  and  when  hapless  loves  or  sorrows  crossed  life's 
pathway,  resort  was  had  to  the  yew  and  the  cypress. 

So  Stanley,  in  "The  Exequies"  mourns, — 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

"  Yet  strew 
Upon  my  disinull  grave 
Such  oflerings  as  you  have,  • 
Forsaken  cypresse  and  yew ; 
For  kinder  flowers  can  take  no  birth 
Or  growth  from  such  unhappy  earth." 

And  Shakespeare,  in  tliose  magic  lines  so  beautifnl 
and  apposite,  sings  in  a  different  strain: 

"  With  fairest  flowers, 
\  'n:      s'lTituer  lasts,  and  I  live  here,  Fidele, 
I  ten  thy  sad  grave;  thou  shalt  not  lack 

Th^     ^vver  that's  like  thy  face,  pale  primrose,  nor 
The  f  zured  hare-bell  like  thy  veins,  no,  nor 
The  Itaf  of  eglantine;  whom  not  to  slander, 
Outsweetened  not  thy  breath." 

In  ancient  times,  the  custom  of  Ijurying  the  dead 
outside  the  cities  was  almost  universal;  a  lesson 
worthy  the  imitation  of  modern  communities. 

Even  the  practice  of  embalming  did  not  prevent 
the  Egyptians  from  placing  the  dwelling  places  of 
the  dead  beyond  the  Nile. 

The  Ceramicus  of  the  Athenians,  the  most  beau- 
tiful suburb  of  their  illustrious  citv,  was  situated 
without  its  walls. 

Sparta's  famous  lawgiver,  it  is  said,  ordered  in- 
terment within  her  walls,  that  her  sons  might  be- 
come familiar  with  death. 

The  Mohammedans  generally  bury  their  dead  outside 
the  city  in  tombs  either  above  or  below  the  ground, 
made,  as  in  Kew  Orleans,  of  stone  or  brick,  and  stud- 


' 


!tl 


11 


i^iitM 


Hi 


ilM; 


il;!l; 


!  lilt  I 


:      iiill 


24 


INTRODUCTION. 


ded  with  arched  cavities  of  sufficient  size  to  admit 
the  coffined  remains  of  the  departed.  Their  immense 
graveyards  present  a  strange  and  peculiarly  gloomy 
appearance,  "  their  white  marble  columns,  surmount- 
ed by  turbans,  shimmering  like  ghosts  through  and 
above  the  groves  of  cypresses  that  always  mark  the 
last  repose  of  the  Moslem  sleepers." 

The  Chinese  have  no  cemeteries  of  any  extent, 
every  family  in  thickly  settled  parts  of  tlie  country 
providing  its  own  burial  ground.  As  a  people  they 
are  extraordinarily  devoted  to  tlieir  dead,  and  usually 
select  the  fairest  spots  in  the  land  for  sepulture.  So 
desirous  are  they  all  to  be  buried  in  the  "  Flowery 
Kingdom,"  that,  as  writes  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Wendte: 
"  The  labor  contract  of  the  Coolie  emigrant  especially 
stipulates  that  in  case  of  death  his  body  is  to  be  car- 
ried back  to  China,  that  his  dust  may  mingle  with 
that  of  his  ancestors,  and  he  may  join  their  spirits  in 
tlie  ancestral  temple.  Otherwise,  such  is  his  strange 
superstition,  his  soul  would  wander  about  unknown, 
unhoused  and  unfed, — a  stranger  ghost  in  a  foreign 
land." 

The  cemeteries  of  Russia  are  for  the  most  part  ar- 
ranged at  considerable  distances  from  the  towns,  and 
are  marked  by  groves  of  tall  pines,  which  seem  as 
emblematical  of  death  to  the  Muscovite  as  cypresses 
are  to  the  Moslem  mind. 

With  the  Romans  inter-mural  burying  was  not  al- 
lowed except  to  a  favored  few.  Their  law  was  very 
severe  against  violators  of  tombs,  and  nobody  could 


INTRODUCTION. 


25 


idinit 
aense 
oomy 
ount- 
h  and 
•k  the 

xtent, 
►untry 
e  they 
isuaily 
e.     So 
lowery 
endte : 
ecially 
be  car- 
e  with 
irits  in 
itrange 
known, 
foreign 

>art  ar- 
ns,  and 
leem  as 
presses 

i  not  al- 
as very 
y  could 


be  removed,  even  by  friends,  without  official  sanction. 
Yet  the  Roman  burying  places  did  not  enjoy  the  legal 
sanctity  of  our  own  churchyards,  but  were  simply  set 
apart  from  the  lands  adjoining  some  highway  by  tlie 
proprietor.  Hence  part' 'ular  care  was  taken  that 
no  opportunity  should  be  afforded  whereby  the  pur- 
pose of  the  owner  might  be  defeated,  or  the  property 
alienated  to  other  uses.  The  avarice  of  the  heir  was 
especially  watched,  and  the  usual  formula  is:  "Hoc 
monumentum  hferedem  non  sequitur." — {11.  M.  H. 
N.  S.) 

One  man,  in  order  that  his  heir  might  not  outwit 
him,  and  appropriate  his  burying-place,  inscribes  that 
he  was  of  a  ''sound  and  disposing  mind  "  when  he 
made  his  will.  Another  makes  it  a  condition  of  in- 
heritance that  his  monument  shall  be  commenced 
within  three  days  after  his  death.,  and  be  built  after  a 
prescribed  model.  And  many,  to  be  certain  about 
tlie  matter,  erected  their  own  monuments  during 
their  lifetimes.  Some  not  only  willed  to  have  a  mon- 
ument erected,butalso  bequeathed  an  annual  sum  for 
lighting  a  lump  and  feeding  it  with  oil.  And  it  was 
more  especially  for  the  purpose  of  secui  ing  perpetual 
attention  to  these  funeral  rites,  that  the  alienation  of 
their  burying  grounds  was  so  strictly  forbidden. 

But  though  the  lamp  at  the  tomb  is  lighted  no 
more,  yet  the  spirit  of  the  Roman  lives  through  the 
ages,  and  a  college  perpetuates  the  name  of  its  mod- 
ern founder.  The  symbol  has  vanished,  and  the  sep- 
ulchre itself  may  remain  in  darkness,  but  the  pure 


26 


INTEODUCTION. 


light  of  learning  immortalizes  the  memory  of  its  pat- 
ron. The  festivals  have  ceased,  but  the  beneficence 
of  the  dead  will  not  be  forgotten,  so  long  as  the  char- 
itable institution  sustained  by  his  wealth,  exists  to 
benefit  the  needy. 


Following  the  erecting  of  monuments  and  antedat- 
ing the  consecration  of  graveyards  comes  the  record- 
ing of  inscriptions  and  the  engraving  of  epitaphs. 

Etymologically,  an  epitaph  is  simply  an  inscription 
on  a  tomb,  and  as  such  might  be  supposed  to  include 
the  record  of  death.  But  many  contend  that  the  rec- 
ord forms  no  part  of  an  epitaph,  and  that  although  it 
is  an  inscription  on  a  tomb,  yet  every  inscription  so 
placed  is  not  necessarily  an  epitaph,  else  we  must 
include  the  sculptor's  name,  which  is  often  appended. 

The  origin  of  epitaphs  as  traced  by  Camden  is  in 
accordance  with  this  view,  and  we  may  obtain  a  tol- 
erably clear  idea  of  their  first  signification  from  his 
statement.  He  mentions  that  the  scholars  of  Linus, 
the  Theban  poet,  "fyrst  bewayled  theyre  master, 
when  he  was  slayne,  in  doleful  verse,  called  of  him, 
(Elinum^  and  afterwards,  Epitaphia^  for  that  they 
were  fyrst  sung  at  buryals  and  after  engraved  upon 
the  sepulchres." 

From  this  it  appears  that  the  erection  of  the  first 
monuments  and  the  inscription  of  the  first  epitaphs, 
had  one  common  cause — the  love  and  respect  enter- 
tained by  the  living  for  the  dead.  This  high  motive 
has  not,  however,  always  had  the  ascendancy;  ever 


INTRODUCTION. 


27 


and  anon  it  has  been  replaced  by  vanity  in  all  its  emp- 
tiness, and  as  a  legacy  to  the  world  we  find  sepulchral 
writings,  devoid  alike  of  beauty,  sense  and  truth. 

The  earliest  recorders  of  inscriptions  of  whom  we 
have  any  satisfactory  knowledge  were  the  Egyptians, 
who  placed  upon  their  sarcophagi  and  coffins,  the 
names,  descent  and  functions  of  their  embalmed  rela- 
tives. .  '; 

The  Romans  of  early  imperial  times  contented 
themselves  witli  modest  encomiums  and  statements 
of  name,  station  and  age.  Subsequently  we  find  a 
fuller  enumeration  of  public  services;  and  it  is  inter- 
esting to  notice,  .that  while  they  record  the  building 
of  cities,  the  destruction  of  enemies,  and  other  works 
of  great  men,  yet  few  acts  of  social  benevolence  are 
mentioned.  In  this  particular,  the  difierence  between 
them  and  inscriptions  of  modern  date  is  most  strik- 
ing, and  we  searcli  in  vain  through  the  darkness  of 
those  times  for  the  works  of  a  Howard  or  a  Wilber- 
force.  Later  £till,  in  addition  to  the  trade  or  calling, 
lire  found  rough  forms  of  implements,  a  custom  which 
continued  down  to  the  middle  atres.  No  false  shame 
troubled  the  people.  Tlie  dealer  in  pigs  engraves 
upon  his  tomb,  "  negotiator  siiaris,^^  and  the  "clown 
of  the  city  company  of  mountebanks  "  gravely  in- 
scribes on  the  sepulchre  of  JKmilia  Irene,  his  wif  , 
"  stupidus  gregis  urbani." 

A  crusader  has  his  efligy  placed  on  his  tomb  in 
morion  and  cross-legged,  as  who  should  say,  "1 
Walter  Fitz-give-'em,  Kt ,  having  fought  doughtily 


¥ 


28 


INTRODUCTION. 


IN 


jii 


il 


ill  the  Holy  Land,  and  hewed  many  circumcised  infi- 
dels, now  rest  In  pace.     Odiprofanum.^^ 

A  baker  makes  his  last  resting-place  in  the  form 
of  an  oven,  and  embellishes  it  with  representations  of 
his  loaves,  kneading  trough  and  mill. 

[A  pilot  in  Greenwood  cemetery  declares  his  pro- 
fession by  his  monument.  A  solid  base  supports 
his  sarcophagus,  on  which  is  placed  a  capstan  coiled 
with  a  cable,  and  this  is  surmounted  by  a  mast,  whose 
top  is  crowned  by  a  beautiful  statue  of  Hope  leaning 
on  her  anchor  and  pointing  to  the  skies.  Carved  on 
the  sarcophagus,  in  bas-relief  are  two  vessels  in  a 
storm,  one  representing  his  own,  and  the  other  the 
vessel  he  is  piloting  into  port] 

A  carpenter  has  left  us  the  shape  of  the  tools  with 
which  he  fashioned  the  palaces  of  Rome,  and  it  is 
singular  that  the  "  chisel  "  figured  on  the  tomb  is 
identical  in  form  with  the  stone  "celt"  about  which 
so  much  has  been  learnedly  written. 

Sometimes  a  request  is  urged  with  promises  of  for- 
tune, threats  of  vengeance,  or  on  the  plea  of  humanity. 
Being  placed  usually  along  the  great  roads,tombstones 
were  especially  liable  to  spoliation,  inasmuch  as  they 
formed  a  convenient  place  on  which  the  travelers  of 
those  days  eased  their  little  minds.  ^''  Scriptor  parcc 
hoc  opus,^^  is  not  the  addressof  an  author  to  his  critic, 
but  a  husband  to  the  scribbler  to  spare  themonument 
of  liis  wife. 


INTRODUCTION. 


29 


ised  inii- 

he  form 
ations  of 

his  pro- 
supports 
m  coiled 
5t,  whose 
3  leaning 
arved  on 
;els  in  a 
Dther  the 

Dols  with 

and  it  is 

tomb  is 

ut  which 

es  of  for- 
umanity. 
nbstones 
1  as  they 
velers  of 
^,or  parcc 
lis  critic, 
onnment 


Tlie  first  six  centuries  after  Christ  are  rich  in  Chris- 
tian inscriptions  of  an  eminently  devotional  character, 
and  on  the  tombs  we  frequently  iind  extracts  from  that 
Book  which  was  their  guide  and  comfort  while  living. 

Soon,  liowever,  the  introduction  of  heraldic  devices 
reduced  the  religious  character  of  inscriptions,  and  as 
the  Christianity  of  the  times  became  a  power  in  Eu- 
rope, and  j)ersecution  ceased  to  purify  faith,  heathen 
precedents  commenced  to  work,  and  though  we  do 
not  find  coarse,  epicurean  expressions,  yet  a  trifling 
with  death  and  its  surroundings  is  evif^3nced  by  the 
witticisms  and  vagaries  which  gradually  regained  a 
position  on  monuments. 

Survivors  forgot  that  a  tomb  is  no  place  for  a  bio- 
graphy, and  in  their  vanity  esteemed  a  brilliant  record 
more  than  a  true  one.  They  lost  tlie  energetic  con- 
ciseness that  characterized  the  works  of  the  ancient 
sculptors,  knowing  that  in  "  lapidary  inscriptions  a 
man  is  not  upon  oath."  Eulogies  so  fulsome  as  to 
be  disgusting,  and  interminable  records  which  tire 
the  reader,  appear,  presenting  a  striking  contrast  to 
the  simple  and  direct  language  of  true  sorrow.  And 
although  the  Latin  tongue — the  most  apt  for  the  pur- 
pose— may  have  checked  in  some  measure  this  degrad- 
inji,  tendency,  its  influence  ceased  with  its  use,  and  of 
all  the  languages  of  to-day,  the  Italian,  and,  in  a  less 
degree,  the  Spanish,  have  caught  the  true  spirit  of 
classical  antiquity. 

Turning  now  more  particularly  to  the  graveyards 
of  our  own  times  and  the  epitaphs  in  our  own  Ian- 


IW 


iillii 


liihi; ; 


30 


INTROT)UCTION. 


gnage,  we  find  much  that  is  wortliy  of  admiratiou, 
also  much  that  must  certainly  be  condemned.  It  has 
been  truly  said  that  "cemeteries  express  the  feelings 
and  meet  the  wants  of  an  altered  time."  A  nation's 
warriors  lie  slain  upon  the  battle-field;  friends  and 
relatives  depart  and  pass  the  gate  of  death;  science 
and  art  lose  earnest  worshipers;  and  th?  world  mon.ns 
deeply  the  noble  lives  it  could  ill-afford  lO  spare. 

These  are  indeed  altered  times.  Thi  nations  of 
modern  date  have  emulated  those  of  antiquity.  The 
brave  brethren  of  the  defenders  of  Thermopylae  erected 
a  monument,  and  inscribed  thereon  a  sentence  that 
must  have  thrilled  through  every  Spartan  breast: 
"  Go,  2>(is8enger,  and  tell  at  Laeedcetnon,  that  we  died 
in  obedience  to  her  sacred  laws.'*^  And  through  every 
part  of  this  great  country,  monuments  are  found* 
which  attest  a  nation's  gratitude  and  reverence  for 
her  patriotic  warriors  of  a  hundred  years. 

Inscriptions  on  national  monuments  are  not  usu- 
ally open  to  such  grave  objections  as  those  on  many 
memorials  erected  by  private  persons;  for  however 
faulty  they  may  be  <Tisthetically  considered,  they  are,  in 
most  cases,  written  with  some  regard  to  common 
sense,  and  to  the  rules  and  proprieties  of  the  English 
language.  '  Being  national  and  notprivate,  they  ndmit 
an  amount  of  panegyric  which  would  be  fatal  to  the 
merit  of  any  other  monument.  The  other  class,  hav- 
ing many  authors,  presents-  many  forms.  One  epi- 
taph is  beautiful  in  sentiment  and  feeling,  and  concise, 
as  the  lanojuaffe  of  sorrow  should  be.     Another  charms 


JW 


INTRODUCTION. 


31 


the  ear  with  the  rhythm  of  its  words  and  fineness  of 
expression.  A  few — but  how  few! — succeed  in  harmo- 
niously setting  humor  amidst  gloomy  surroundings. 
All  these  we  admire  and  esteem  as  rich  treasures, 
and  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  "  Holy  Suburbs  "  of  the 
Better  Land.  But  there  are  others  which  have  scarce- 
ly any  recommendations.  Some  set  both  orthography 
and  syntax  completely  at  defiance.  Others — not  a 
few — repeat  for  the  "  benefit  of  a  benighted  world," 
the  beautiful  (?)  lines,  "Physicians  were  all  in  vain," 
etc.,  while  an  occasional  straggler  may  be  seen  emu- 
lating the  kingly  example  of  Darius,  who  wished  to 
have  engraven  on-  his  tomb  for  the  information  of 
posterity,  the  following,  "  Here  lies  King  Darius, 
who  was  able  to  drink  many  bottles  of  wine  without 
staggering." 

The  silly  conceits  and  untimely  witticisms  on  many 
monuments,  are  the  shame  of  mankind,  only  fit  for 
provoking  the  mirth  and  langhter  of  fools.  And  when 
we  look  at  the  fulsome  enlogies  on  some  marbles,  we 
are  tempted  to  ask  again  the  question  so  aptly  put  by 
Lamb  to  his  sister:  "Mary,  where  do  the  naughty 
people  lie?" 

There  is  another  class  of  epitaphs,  which,  perhaps, 
merit  a  milder  form  of  censure,  and  which  sometimes 
move  the  reader  to  pity,  not  so  much  on  account  of 
bereavement  sustained  by  their  authors,  but  because 
they  persist  in  contemplating  so  intently  and  absorb- 
ingly the  suft*erings  endured  by  the  departed  during 
life.     Were  it  not  in  some  measure  ludicrous,  it  would 


■-   ■ 

1 

! 

t 

III 


•■  ■■;,   ■111 


32 


INTRODUCTION. 


be  indeed  sorrowful  that  the  living  should  thus  har- 
row their  feelings,  by  the  consideration  of  sufferings 
passed,  by  placing  a  record  thereof  over  the  graves  of 
their  loved  ones.  The  ancients  can  teach  us  a  lesson 
in  this:  they  seldom  mention  on  their  nionuuients 
the  cause  of  death. 

"  There  are  no  specific  rules,"  says  Pettigrew,  ''  to 
determine  the  formation  of  modern  epitaphs,  either 
with  regard  to  their  construction  or  as  respects  their 
contents.  They  may  recount  the  virtues  and  glorious 
actions  of  the  deceased,  and  hold  them  up  for  our 
imitation;  and  they  may  also  narrate  the  de- 
scent of  the  individual,  and  may  mourn  his  loss. 
A  moral  or  admonitory  precept,  too,  may  be  added, 
and  in  this  manner  important  instruction  may  be 
conveyed.  An  epitaph  should  unquestionably  be 
brief,  and  should  combine  beauty  of  expression  with 
tenderness  of  feeling.  All  that  is  expressive  of  love, 
sorrow,  faith,  hope,  resignation  and  piety,  should 
characterize  an  epitapli.  It  ought  to  be  made  almost 
exclusively  applicable  to  the  individual  interred, 
and  certainly  not  too  long  for  remembrance.  Its  ob- 
ject is  to  record  what  is  worthy  of  remembrance,  and 
to  excite  sympathy  in  the  beholder.  True  and  gen- 
uine sorrow  is  never  loquacious.  In  conveying  con- 
solation and  admonition  it  should  have  reference  to 
the  common  lot  of  all,  and  teach  us  to  look  up  from 
the  grave  to  a  higher  sphere  of  existence. 

Fuller,  in  adverting  to  epitaphs,  says  of  them: 
"  The  shortest,  plainest  and  truest  are  the  best.     T  say 


> 


INTRODUCTION, 


88 


the  shortest,  for  when  a  passenger  sees  a  chronicle 
written  on  a  tomb,  he  takes  it  on  trust  some  fijreat 
man  is  buried  there,  without  taking  pains  to  examine 
who  he  is.  I  say  also  the  plainest,  for  except  the 
sense  lie  above  ground,  few  will  trouble  themselves  to 
dig  for  it." 

The  English  language  doubtless  does  not  possess  a 
grander  than  that  inscribed  to  a  celebrated  actor,  jet 
it  has  only  five  words:  ^''Ilere  lies  rare  Ben  Johnson^ 
and  Wolfe's  broken  column  has  only  the  four  words: 
^^Ilere  died  WoJfe^  victorious,'"'^  while  a  shattered 
headstone  at  St.  Paul's,  New  York,  bears  in  twc» 
words  the  most  powerful  utterance  in  that  storied 
abode  of  death, — My  Mother! 

Perhaps  no  description  of  serious  literature  has 
ever  afforded  h  >  much  entertainment  to  the  world  as 
that  of  epitaphs.  None,  perchance,  is  so  rich  in  ma- 
terials. 

Muriatori  and  the  scholars  of  Italy  were  pre-emi- 
nent in  the  work  of  collection.  Bruce,  Stuart  and 
others  have  done  the  same  work  for  British  monu- 
ments. Scaliger's  two  volumes  contained  almost  all 
that  was  known  on  the  subject  at  the  commencement 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  Additions  have  been 
made  to  it  by  Gruter,  Graevius  and  others.  Webb 
also  published  a  large  collection  of  ludicrous,  panegy- 
rical and  moral  epitaphs  in  the  year  1777.  Kenrick's 
little  work  on  Roman  inscriptions  in  England  is  very 
good.  Tissington's,  Loarings  and  Pettigrew's  col- 
lections   are   also  worthy    of   mention.       And    the 


34 


IJITRODUCTION. 


','^ 'I' ' 


'*  Christian  inscriptions  of  the  first  six  centuries'* 
have  been  ably  treated  by  Dr.  McCaul,  the  learned 
President  of  the  University  of  Toronto,  Canada. 

From  these  and  other  widely  diiferent  sources,  we 
learn  that  in  every  land  in  every  time,  all  peoples 
practice  and  reverence  funeral  rites  in  some  form,  and 
cherish  a  certain  solicitude  and  veneration  for  the 
lifeless  bodv.  ' 

ffr 

But  "never  has  the  tenement  from  which  vitality 
has  escaped,  been  held  so  precious  as  it  is  to-day. 
We  make  a  fetich  of  it,  though  it  turns  to  loathing 
under  our  soi-rowing  eyes.  We  perpetuate  our 
wretched  vanity  in  honoring  insensate  dust,  and  carve 
marble  with  sonorous  fiction  to  hide  the  sordid  facts 
of  life.  Very  often  we  neglect  aiiv.^  disparage  human- 
ity in  the  flesh,  and  esteem  and  eulogize  him  in  the 
grave.  Exanimation  has  more  power  than  great 
deeds  to  make  heroes,  for  the  shadow  of  the  tomb  is 
a  glamour  to  the  living.  "  The  earliest  murmur  of 
fame  is  frequently  the  echo  of  the  first  earth  thrown 
on  the  coffin-lid.  And  yet  of  the  disposition  of  the 
body  after  death,  what  matters  it?  No  one  may  say 
who  was  wisest — the  Egyptian  who  embalmed,  the 
Greek  who  burned  or  the  Celt  who  buried.  It  is  of 
no  import  to  the  departed  whether  they  be  exposed  to 
the  birds  of  the  air — like  the  Sioux  Indians — or  their 
tombs  be  covered  with  immortelles. 

Then  let  us  anticipate  mortuary  devotion  by  kind- 
ness to  the  living.     Let  us  put  our  prospective  mon- 

.         ■  .  .  -U 


INTRODUCTION. 


85 


uments  into  generous  deeds  tliis  side  t)ie  grave.  Let 
118  be  80  charitable  and  tender  to  our  fellow-travelers 
journeying  along  the  highway  of  life,  that  meeting 
them  in  the  immeasurable  future,  they  may  remem- 
ber us  not  by  storied  urns  or  eulogistic  epitaphs,  but 
by  the  gentleness  and  sympathy  and  helpfulness  we 
have  shown  them,  when  little  both  in  time  and  action 
counted  much." 

And  as  the  last  notes  die  away  over  the  "wilderness 
of  tombs,"  let  us  think  of  those  words  of  Pope,  which 
seem  most  apt: 

'*  Praises  on  tombs  are  trifles  vainly  spent, 
A  man's  good  name  is  his  best  monument." 


I 


lilllM 


III'    ii' 


fli 

1 

i  1 

m 


Uiii!;: 


EMINENT  PERSONAGES.     ' 


llll   l! 


EPITAPHS 


ON 


Eminent  Personages. 


"On  Fame's  eternal  camping-ground, 
Their  silent  tents  are  spread."— 0'//«>'rt. 


EPITAPH  ON  GEORUPJ  WASHINGTON. 

|X  the  family  vault  at  Mount  Vernon  repose,  en- 
cased in  a  beautiful  sarcophagus  of  white  marble, 
and  enshrined  in  a  people's  love,  the  remains  of 
one  whose  fame  will  ever,  as  now,  fill  the  world. 

Human  liberty!  was  the  order  of  his  march  as  he 
glided  gently  down  the  stream  of  life;  and  now  a  na- 
tion's homage  gathers  round  his  memory. 

Through  a  life  of  sixty-seven  3'ears,  not  a  single  spot 
can  be  found  to  dull  the  brightness  of  his  character, 
and  in  all  ages  Americans  will  pronounce  with  love 
and  reverence  the  name  of  George  Washington. 

On  the  lid  of  the  sarcophagus  are  engraved  the  na- 
tional  emblem  and  this  inscription,  which  appears 

m 


I  iill^: 


:'l'ii; 


■■'1' ■: 


'Ml!',,,,,. 

!!! 


iiii 


ii 


iiiiiiiijjjll 


I  I, 

!  I 


!!il 


•ilr 


ii.ii 


40 


EPITArnS   ON 


more  like  an  advertisement  of  a  marble  mason,  than 
a  jnst  tribnte  to  the  memory  of  80  great  a  man: 

WASHINGTON 

By  the  permission  of 

Lawrence  Lewis, 

The  surviving  executor  of 

George  Washington, 

this  sarcophagus 

was  presented  by 

.  *     •  John  Struthers, 

of  Philadelphia,  Marble  Mason, 
A.  D.  1837. 

[Near  the  Battle  Monument  in  the  city  oi' Balti- 
more^ Md.,  stands  the  "Washington  Monument,  the 
corner-stone  of  which  was  laid  July  4tli,  1815.  It 
was  erected  by  the  state  of  Maryland  at  a  cost  of 
$260,000,  and  was  nearly  fifteen  years  in  building,  the 
statue  of  Washington  having  been  raised  to  its  po- 
sition October  19,  1829.  The  whole  is  constructed  of 
white  marble  and  has  an  altitude  of  180  feet.  The 
new  National  Monument  of  Washington,  now  in 
course  of  erection,  will,  when  completed,  stand  485 
feet  in  air, — an  altitude  exceeding  by  five  feet  that  of 
the  boasted  pyramid  of  Cheops  in  Egypt.] 

ON    THOMAS   JEFFERSON. 

Entombed  'dtMontiGello,  Va.,  rests  one  of  the  most 
conspicuous  of  American  worthies,  Thomas  JefiTerson, 
whose  fame,  as  time  dispels  the  mists  of  prejudice, 
will  shine  with  ever-increasing  luster. 


Il;!i;l 


EMINENT    PERSONAGES. 


41 


The  inscription  on  the  tomb  reads  as  follows: 

Here  lies  buried 

Thomas  Jefferson, 

Author  of  the  Declaration  of  American  Independence, 

Of  the  Statute  of  Virginia  for  Religious  Freedom, 

And  Father  of  the  University  of  Virginia. 


ON   BENJAMIN    FRANKLIN. 

In  a  retired  part  of  the  burial  ground  at  the  corner 
of  5th  and  Arch  streets,  Philadelphia^  surrounded  by 
a  neat  iron  railing — which  was  in  1858  substituted  for 
the  brick  wall  that  originally  inclosed  the  spot — rest 
the  remains  of  the  great  statesman  Franklin,  side  by 
side  with  those  of  the  partner  of  his  life. 

The  plain  stone  that  covers  their  resting-place,  al- 
though strikingly  unworthy  the  memory,  declares  to 
us  the  beauty  of  his  character  far  better  than  any  epi- 
taph. Its  plan  was  contemplated  by  him  before  his 
death  (1790),  and  particularly  ordered  in  the  follow- 
ing codicil  to  his  will,  dated  23d  June,  1789:  "  I  wish 
to  be  buried  by  the  side  of  my  wife  if  it  may  be,  and 
that  a  marble  stone  to  be  made  by  Chambers,  six  feet 
long  and  four  feet  wide,  plain,  with  only  a  small 
moulding  round  the  upper  edges,  and  this  inscrip- 
tion:" 

Benjamin  \ 

AND       v  Franklin, 
Deborah  ) 

At  the  age  of  twenty-three,  while  yet  a  jourii'^yman 
printer,  he  wrote  for  himself  this  epitaph: 


i  ill! 


!iI!m     iii 


42 


EPITAPHS    ON 
The  Body 

:  Of  ::     ■'■ 

Benjamin  Franklin,  Printer, 
(Like  the  covers  of  an  old  book, 
i,  Its  contents  torn  out, 

And  stript  of  its  lettering  and  gilding,) 

Lies  food  for  worms ; 

Yet  the  work  itself  shall  not  be  lost. 

For  it  will  (as  he  believed)  appear  once  more, 

In  a  new 

And  more  beautiful  edition,  " 

Corrected  and  amended 

The  Author. 


1 1"! !   ''ri!!i 
III     m 


I     I 


!     i 


1 


i 


•;  ON    DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

.  Born  Jan.  18th,  1782.     Died  Oct.  24th,  1852. 

Echoing  from  the  tomb  of  Webster  comes  the 
aphorism,  "The  gospel" — "a  divine  reality." 

"  Piiilosophical  argument,  especially  that  drawn 
from  the  vastness  of  the  Universe,  in  comparison  with 
the  appar*^nt  insigniUcance  of  this  globe,  has  some- 
times shaken  my  reason  for  the  faith  which  is  in  me; 
but  my  heart  has  always  assured  and  re-assured  me, 
that  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  must  be  a  divine  re- 
ality. The  Sermon  on  the  Mount  cannot  be  a  merely 
human  production.  This  belief  enters  into  the  very 
depth  of  my  conscience.  The  whole  history  of  man 
proves  it." — Daniel  Webster. 


EMINENT   PERSONAGES. 


48 


1  —       Oy.  JOHN  ADAMS. 

.         *  Libertatem  Amicitiam  Fidem  Retinebis. — 
D.  O.  M.     (Deo.  Optimo  Maximo)" 

Beneath  these  walls 

Are  deposited  the  mortal  remains  of 

John  Adams, 

Son  of  John  and  Susanna  (Boyalston)  Adams, 

Second  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  19-30  October,  1735. 

On  the  Fourth  of  July,  1776 

He  pledged  his  Life,  Fortune  and  Sacred  Honour 

To  the  Independence  of  His  Country. 

On  the  third  of  September,  1783, 

He  affixed  his  Seal  to  the  definite  treaty  with  Great  Britain 

Which  acknowledged  that  Independence, 

And  consummated  the  redemption*  of  his  pledg'  . 

On  the  Fourth  of  July,  1826, 

He  was  summoned 

To  the  Independence  of  Immortality 

And  to  the  Judgment  of  his  God. 

This  House  will  bear  witness  to  his  Piety; 

This  Town  his  Birth-place,  to  his  munificence ; 

History  to  his  Patriotism ; 

Posterity  to  the  depth  and  compass  of  his  mind. 

At  his  side 

Sleeps  till  the  Trump  shall  sound, 

Abigail, 

His  beloved  and  only  wife,  ' 

Daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Quincy)  Smith. 

In  every  relation  of  life  a  pattern 

Of  Filial,  Conjugal,  Maternal  and  Social  Virtue. 

Born  1 1-2;!  November,  1744. 

Deceased  28  October,  1818. 

Aged  74. 


II 


Married  25  October,  1764.    . 

During  a  union  of  more  than  half  a  century 


I 


ill!: 

'ill    iff'"'' 


11 


ill 


11 1 


lip 


li! 


,44  EPITAPHS   ON 

They  survived,  in  Harmony  of  Sentiment,  Principle  and  Aff. 

The  Tempest  of  Civil  Commotion : 

Meeting  undaunted,  and  surmounting 

The  Terrors  and  Trials  of  that  Revolution 

Which  secured  the  freedom  of  this  country, 

Improved  the  condition  of  their  times,  /         * 

And  brightened  the  prospects  of  Futurity 

To  the  Race  of  Man  upon  Earth. 

Pilgrim, 
From  lives  thus  spent  thy  earthly  duties  learn, 
'     From  Fancy's  dreams  to  active  Virtue  turn. 
Let  Freedom,  Friendship,  Faith,  thy  soul  engage, 
And  serve  like  them,  thy  Country  and  thy  Age. 

Alongside  the  grave  of  his  father,  and  overshadow- 
ed by  trees  that  had  sheltered  liis  head  in  the  days  of 
his  childhood,  in  a  plain  tomb  prepared  under  his  own 
direction,  and  inscribed  simply  with  his  name,  sleep 
the  ashes  of  John  QuiNCY  Adams. 

ON  WOLFE  AND  MONTCALM. 

In  the  Palace  Garden,  Quebec,  Canada,  stands  a 
monument  erected  to  the  memory  of  Wolfe  and 
Montcalm,  opposing  leaders  in  the  inter-colonial 
campaign  of  1759,  who  died  at  the  taking  of  Quebec, 
on  the  Plains  of  Abraham 
nient  is  this  tribute: 


Engraven  on  the  monu- 


WoLFE —  Montcalm. 
Mortem  virtus  communem 

Famam  historia 

Moxumentum  posteritas 

Dedit 

A.  D.  1827. 


EMINENT    PERSONAGES.  46 

[Translation. — Military  virtue  gave  them  a  com- 
mon death.  History  a  common  fame.  Posterity  a 
common  monument.] 

ft 

ON    MONTCALM. 

In  the  chapel  of  the  Ursnline Convent,  Quebec,  may 
be  seen  this  additional  tribute  to  Marquis  de  Mont- 
PT,lm: 

Honneur  '    ;  .'    .. 

a  _         '[      ■''■,: 

Montcalm. 
,  Le  destin,  en  lui  derobant 

La  victoire, 
L'  a  recompense  par 
Une  mort  glorieuse. 

[Translation. — Honor  to  Montcalm.  Fate,  in  de- 
nying him  the  victory,  has  recompensed  him  by  a 
glorious  death.] 

»  . ' 

t>N   JOHN  HARVARD. 
In  piam  et  perpetuam  niemoriani 

JOHANNIS  HaRVARDII, 

annis  fere  ducentis  post  obitum  ejus  peractis 

Academiie  quae  est  Cantabrigiae 

Nov — Anglorum  Alumni, 

ne  diutius  vir  de  litteris  nostris  optime  meritus 

sine  monumento  quamvis  humili  jaceret 

hunc  lapidem  ponendum  curaverunt. 

On  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  September,  A.  D.  1828, 

this  stone  was  erected  by  the 

Graduates  of  the  University  at  Cambridge 

in  honor  of  its  founder 

who  died  at  Charlestown,  Mass.,       '  • 

On  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  September,  A.  D.  1638. 


lili 


« 


m  m 


ii 


111!  m 


'«'"'      I 


11 


IIP;' 


46 


EriTAPHS   ON 


^,  Novi  Eboraci, 
Natus  die  14  to. 


ON  SAMUEL  JOHNSON. 

At  Stratford,  Conn. : 

M.  S.  Samuelis  Johxsox,  D.  D.,  collef ' 
praesidis  primi,  et  hujus  eclesijc  nuper  • 
Octob.  1696,  obiit  6  to.  Jan.  1772. 

If  decent  dignity  and  modest  mien, 

The  cheerful  heart,  and  countenance  serene;  '      /■ 

If  pure  religion,  and  unsullied  truth, 
'  His  age's  solace,  and  his  search  in  youth ; 

If  piety  in  all  the  paths  he  trod, 

Still  rising  vigVous  to  his  Lord  and  God; 

If  charity,  through  all  the  race  he  ran. 

Still  wishing  well,  and  doing  good  to  man ;  ' 

If  learning,  free  from  pedantry  and  pride. 

Of  faith  and  virtue,  walking  side  by  side ;         vi 

If  well  to  mark  his  being's  aim  and  end. 

To  shine  through  life  a  husband,  father,  friend ; 

If  these  ambition  in  thy  soul  can  raise,  ? 

Excite  thy  reverence,  or  demand  thy  praise ; 

Reader,  ere  yet  thou  quit  this  earthly  scene, 

Revere  his  name  and  be  what  he  has  been.  ■' 

Myles  Cooper. 

•  •  ON  GEOKGE  CLINTON. 

At  Washington^  D.  C: 

To  the  memory  of  George  Clinton.  He  was  born  in  the  state 
of  New  York,  on  the  26  of  July,  1739,  and  died  at  the  city  ot 
Washington,  on  the  20  April,  181 1,  in  the  73  year  of  his  age- 
He  was  a  soldier  and  statesman.  Eminent  in  counsel,  distin- 
guished in  war,  he  filled  with  unexampled  usefulness,  purity  and 
ability,  among  many  other  high  offices,  those  of  governor  of  his 
native  state,  and  vice-president  of  the  United  States.  While  he 
lived,  his  virtue,  wisdom  and  valour  were  the  pride,  the  ornament 
and  security  of  his  country ;  and  when  he  died  he  left  an  illustrious 
example  of  a  well-spent  life  worthy  of  all  imitation. 

This  monument  is  affectionately  dedicated  by  his  children. 


EMINENT    PERSONAGES. 


4T 


ON  THOMAS  DAWJS8. 

Ax  Boston^  Mass.: 

Thomas  Dawes,  A.  A.  S.,  born  5  August,  1731,  died,  2  Jan- 
uary, 1809,  aetat  78. 

Of  his  taste  for  the  Grecian  simplicity  in  architecture,  there  are 
many  monuments  which  he  raised  when  that  art  was  new  to  us. 

The  records  of  Massachusetts  show  that  he  was  one  ot  her  active 
legislators  fro.n  the  year  1776,  until  he  was  70  years  old,  when  he 
retired  with  faculties  unimpaired. 

To  the  fiscal  concerns  of  this  metropolis,  to  its  literary  and  other 
institutions  he  was  a  zealous  friend. 

He  was  an  elector  at  the  three  first  elections  of  president  of  the 
United  States,  and  discharged  various  trusts  to  his  own'honor  and 
the  public  good. 

ON  ELIHU  YALE. 

The  inonument  of  Eliliu  Yale,  the  founder  of  Yale 
College,  UTew  Haveii^  Conn.,  bears  this  inscription: 

Under  this  tomb  lyes  interr'd  Elihu  Yale  of  Place  Gronow,  Esq., 
born  5th  April,  1648,  and  dyed  the  8th  of  July,  1721,  aged  73  years. 

Born  in  America,  in  Europe  bred, 
'  In  Afric  travelled,  and  in  Asia  wed. 

Where  long  he  lived  and  thrived,  in  London  died. 

Much  good,  some  ill,  he  did ;  so  hope  all's  even. 

And  that  his  soul  thro'  mercy's  gone  to  heaven. 

You  that  survive  and  read,  take  care 

For  this  most  certain  exit  to  prepare. 

Where,  blest  in  peace,  the  actions  of  the  just 

Smell  sweet  and  blossom  in  the  silent  dust. 

ON  ELEAZAR  WHKELOCK. 


At  Hanover,  N.  H\: 

Hie  requiescit  corpus  Eleazari  Wheelock,  S.  T.  D.,  academiae 


' 


48 


EPITAPHS    ON 


morensis  et  collegii  Dartmuthensis  fundatoris  et  primi  pr^esidU. 
Evangelio  barbaros  indomnit  et  excultis  nova  scientiae  patefecit.  Via- 
tor, i,  et  imitare,  si  poteris,  tanta  meritorum  premia  laturus.  1710 
natus,  1 779  obiit. 

Here  rests  the  body  of  Ei.eazar  Wiieelock,  s.  t.  d.  founder  and 
first  president  of  Dartmouth  college  and  Moor's  Charity  School.  By 
the  gospel  he  subdued  the  ferocity  of  the  savage,  and  to  the  civilized 
he  opened  new  paths  of  science.  Traveller,  go,  if  you  can,  and  de- 
serve the  sublime  reward  of  such  merit.  He  was  born  in  the  year 
1710,  and  died  in  1779.  Pietate  filii  Johannis  Wheelock  hoc  monu- 
mentum  constitutum  inscriptumque  fuit,  anno  1810. 


mv 


)  iWi 


ON  WILLIAM  CODDINGTON.  '      ' 

A  sepulchral  stone,  mildewed  with  acje,  standing  in 
the  old  cemetery  at  Newjport^  R.  /.,  bears  the  follow- 
ing inscription: 

To  the  memory  of  William  Coddington,  Esq.,  that  illustrious 
man  who  first  purchased  this  Island  from  the  Narraganset  Sachems 
Cannonicus  and  Matinomo,  tor  and  on  account  of  himself  and  sev- 
enteen others,  his  associates  in  the  purchase  and  settlement.  He 
presided  many  years  as  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  Island  and  Colony 
of  Rhode  Island,  and  died  much  respected  and  lamented,  Nov.  i 
1678,  aged  78  years.  ' 

ON  JOHN  COGGE8HALL. 

In  the  liuggles-farm  burying  ground,  Newport^ 
R.  /.,  is  a  granite  obelisk,  the  base  of  which  is  in- 
scribed :  "  To  the  taemory  of  John  Coggeshall^  First 
President  of  this  Colony:  died  Nov.  27,  1649,  jEt. 
67."  On  the  upper  part  is  written,  ''^Erected  hy  a 
Lineal  Descendant,  1855."  " 


EMINENT    I'EBSONAOES. 


^9 


ON    ETHAN    ALLEN. 

A  tomb-stone  near  Burlington,  Vt.y  says: 

The 

Corporeal  part 
of 

GENERAL  ETHAN  ALLEN 

rests  beneath  this  stone, 

The  i2th  day  of  Feb.,  1789 

Aged  50  years. 

His  spirit  tried  the  mercies  of  his  God 

In  whom  alone  he  believed  and  strongly  trusted. 

ON    JOSEPH    WARREN. 

This  epitaph  may  be  seen  on  a  monument  erected 
to  the  memory  of  General  Warren,  in  Boston,  Jf  ass.; 

N        •  In  honor  of 

JOSEPH  WARREN,  * 

Major-general  of  Massachusetts  Bay : 

He  devoted  his  life  to  the  liberties 

Of  his  country; 

and  in  bravely  defending  them,  fell 

•  an  early  victim, 

In  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill, 

June  17,  1775. 

■     •  The  Congress  of  the  United  States, 

As  an  acknowledgment  of  his  services, 

And  distinguished  merit, 

Have  erected  this  monument 

To  his  memory. 


ON  HUGH  MERCER. 


General  Mercer's   monument    in   Fredi'ichshurg, 
F*r^*ma,  bears  the  following: 


*s 


h 


SSW^ 


Ml 


ii!  :k 


60 


KPITAPH8   ON 


Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

HUGH  MERCER. 

Brigadier-general  in  the  army  of 

The  United  States : 

He  died  on  tlie  12th  of  January,  1777,  of 

Wounds,  he  received  on  the  3d  of  tiie  same  month, 

Near  Princetown,  in  New  Jersey, 

Bravely  defending  the  ' 

Liberties  of  America. 

The  Congress  of  the  United  Stiites, 

In  testimony  ot  his  virtues,  and  tlieir  gratitude. 

Have  caused  this  monument  to  be  erected. 


ifijJ: 


|i 


,.  l!  1 


i''lil!  ill! 

iiii  I 
111 


il!r  '  ,  ■ 


ON  TIIE  BRANTS. 

Near  the  city  of  Brantford,  Ont.^  Canada^  011  the 
Indian  reservation,  stands  a  relic,  known  as  the  "old 
Mohawk  church."*  It  was  the  first  church  built  in 
Upper  Canada,  and  was  erected  by  Brant  and  his 
followers  in  1785. 

In  a  tomb  just  in  the  shadow  of  the  church,  on  the 
right,  rest  the  remains  of  Captain  Joseph  Brant  or 
Thayendanegea,  the  noted  chief  of  the  Mohawks,  dur- 
ing the  American  Revolution,  and  also  those  of  his 
son,  Capt.  John  Brant,  or  Tekariliogea,  the  warrior 
chief  of  1812-15.  On  the  tablet  is  the  following  in- 
scription: 

This  Tomb  *  '. 

is  erected  to  the  memory  of         v  - 

Thayendanegea  OR 
•  -         Capt. Joseph  Brant, 

Principal  CHIEF  and 

Warrior  of  /         - 

The  Six  Nation  Indians, 
*  Frontispiece. 


l-'^ 


'S!: 


EMINTCNT    PERSONAGES. 


51 


d 
II 
is 

e 
)r 
r- 

is 

)!• 
1- 


bv  his  fellow  subjects  and 

admirers  of  his  fidelity  and 

Attac"iimknt  to  the 

British  crown. 

Born  on  the  banks  of  the 

,]  ,  Ohio  river  1742,  dikd  at 

Wellington  Square,  U.  C,  1807. 
*      •         It  also  contains  the  remains 
of  his  son  Ahyouwaiuhs  or 

Cai't.  John  Brant, 
who  succeeded  his  father 

asTekarhkkjea  and 
distinguished  himself  in 

..>'"'       ■    '  >'  the  WAR  of  1812-I?. 

Born  at  the 
Mohawk  village,  U.  C,  1795, 
Died  AT  THE  ;:ame  PLACE,  183J. 

ON  SAMUEL  UNCAS.. 

In  the  Mohegan  Burial-ground^  near  Nonoich^ 
Conn.,  is  the  following  to  the  memory  of  the  notevi 
chiefs  Uncas  and  Sunseeto: 


SAMUEL  UNCAS. 

For  beauty,  vvit,  for  sterlinjif  sense 

For  temper  mild,  tor  eliqucnce, 

For  courage  bold,  tor  things  wauregan, 

He  was  the  glory  ot  Moheagan — 

Whose  death  has  caused  great  lamentation 

Both  to  ye  English  and  ye  Indian  Nation. 

ON  SUNSEETO. 
Here  lies  the  body  of  Sunseeto, 
Own  son  to  Uncas,  grandson  to  Oneeko, 
But  now  they  are  all  dead,  I  think  it  is  iverheegcn.* 
♦Meaning,  all  well  or  good  news. 


/ 


<? 


!i'  fi| 


'■.:; 


il; 


I 
I 


52 


EPITAPHS   ON 
ON  ORONO. 


At  Oldtown,  Maine^  may  be  seen  this  epitaph  on 
Orono,  chief  of  the  Penobscots,  who  died  in  1801, 
aged  113  years: 

Safe  lodged  within  his  blanket,  here  below, 
Lie  the  last  relics  of  old  Orono; 
Worn  down  with  toil  and  care,  he  in  a  trice 
Exchanged  his  wigwam  for  a  paradise. 

ON  BUFFALO. 

A  stone  in  the  old  burial-ground  at  Bayfieldy  Wis.^ 
bears  this  inscription : 

BUFFALO, 

Principal  Chief  ot 

the  Chippewas  of 

Lake  Superior. 

DIED 

Sept.  7th  185s 
Aged  96  years. 

ON  O.  H.  PERRY. 

In  the  Island  cemetery  at  Newport^  R.  /.,  may  be 
seen  a  granite  obelisk  bearing  this  inscription : 

.  Oliver  Hazard  Perry  :  at  the  age  of  27  he  achieved  the  vic- 
tory of  Lake  Erie,  Sept.  lo,  1813.     Erected  by  the  City  of  Newport. ' 

Within  the  same  inclosure  rest  the  remains  of  his 
son,  to  whose  memory  is  inscribed  the  following: 

Christopher  Grant  Perry,  eldest  son  of  Commodore  O.  H. 
Perry:  died  1854.     An  upright  and  good  maH.     He  was  beloved 


!  m- 


II 


EMINENT   PERSONAGES. 


53 


and  valued  tor  his  virtue  and  usefulness;  by  his  early  death  this 
community  suffers  a  great  loss :  in  the  hearts  of  his  family  and 
friends  lives  dailj'  the  memory  of  his  excellence  as  a  sweet  consola- 
tion in  their  enduring  grief. 


ON  SIR  ISAAC  BROOK. 

A  tabular  monument  in  St.  PauVs  Gathedraly  on 
which  Brock  is  represented  as  expiring  in  the  arms 
of  a  British  soldier,  while  an  Indian  is  gazing  sorrow- 
fully on  the  scene,  bears  this  inscription : 

Erectctl  at  the  public  expense, 

to  the  memory  of 

Major  General 

SIR  ISAAC  BROCK 

who  gloriously  fell 
on  the  13th  of  October 

MDCCCXII., 

in  resisting  an  attack  on 
,  Queenstown 

in  Upper  Canada. 

[On  Queenstown  Heights,  Ontario,  in  an  inclosure 
of  40  acres — a  gift  from  the  government — a  monu- 
ment }\as  been  erected  to  the  memory  of  this  heroic 
officer. 

The  base  of  the  monument  is  forty  feet  square  and 
thirty  feet  high.  Tlie  whole  structure,  including  the 
statue,  is  216  feet  high,  and  stands  on  an  elevation  of 
550  feet.  It  is  ascended  by  230  steps  to  a  platform 
in  the  tower  200  feet  from  the  ground,  making  760 
feet  above  Niagara  River  and  Lake  Ontario.] 


m 


»4 


EPITAPHS  ON 


41        :■ 


II 


9 


ON  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

At  Whehooky  JV.  J.: 

On  this  spot  tell,  11  July,  1804,  in  the  47  year  of  his  age,  Major 
General  Alexander  Hamilton. 

As  an  expression  of  their  profound  respect  for  his  memory,  and 
their  unfeigned  grief  for  his  loss,  the  St.  Andrew's  Society  of  the 
State  of  New  York  have  erected  this  monument. 


.,|i! 

At]}^ew  York.N.  Y.\ 

To  the  memory  of  Alexander  Hamilton.  The  corporation  of 
Trinity  Church  has  erected  this  monument  in  testimony  of  their  re- 
spect for  the  patriot  of  incorruptible  integrity,  the  soldier  of  approved 
valor,  the  statesman  of  consummate  wisdom,  whose  virtues  and  tal- 
ents will  be  admired  by  grateful  posterity,  long  after  this  marble 
shall  be  mouldered  into  dust.     He  died,  12  July,  1804,  aged  47. 

ON  THOMAS  CLAPP. 

At  New  Haven^  Conn.: 

Here  lyeth  the  body  of  the  reverend  and  learned  Mr.  Thomas 

Clapp,  the  late  president  of  Yale  College  in  Njew  Haven ;  a  truly 

great  man,  a  gentleman  of  superior  natural  genius,  most  assiduous 

application,  and  indefatigable  industry.     In  the  various  branches  of 

learning  he  greatly  excelled;  an  accomplished  instructor;  a  patron  of 

the  college ;  a  great  divine ;  bold  for  the  truth ;  a  zealous  promoter 

and  defender  of  the  doctrines  of  grace ;  of  unaffected  piety,  and  a 

pattern  of  every  virtue;  the  tenderest  of  fathers  and  best  of  friends; 

the  glory  of  learning  and   an   ornament  of  religion;  for  thirteen 

years  the  faithful  pastor  of  the  church  in  Windham;  and  near  27 

years,  the  laborious  and  faithfu'  president  of  the  college,  and,  having 

served   his  own  generation,  by  the  will  of  God,  with  serenity  and 

calmness,  he  fell  on  sleep,  the  7th  day  of  January,  1767,  in  his  64th 

year. 

,  Death,  great  proprietor  of  all,  .       'j  ^  .    >■ 

'Tis  thine  to  tread  out  empires. 

And  to  quench  the  stars. 


p:minent  personages.  . 


55 


ON  NORBORNE  BERKELEY. 

At  Williamshurg,  Va.^  on  the  pedestal  of  lord  Bot- 
tetourt's  white  marble  statue  is  inscribed: 

The  right  honourable  Norborne  Berkeley,  baron  de  Bottetourt,  his 
Majesty's  late  lieutenant  and  governor-general  of  the  colony  and 
dominion  of  Virginia. 

Underneath  his  lordship's  arms: 

Rersurgo  rege  fevente. 

On  the  north  side: 

Deeply  impressed  Avith  the  warmest  sense  of  gratitude  for  his 
excellency,  the  right  honourable  lord  Bottetourt's  prudent  and  wise 
administration,  and  that  the  remembrance  of  those  many  publick 
and  social  virtues,  which  so  eminently  adorned  his  illustrious  char- 
acter, might  be  transmitted  to  latest  posterity,  the  general  assembly 
of  Virginia,  on  the  20th  day  of  July,  anno  Dom.  1771,  resolved  with 
one  united  voice  to  erect  this  statue  to  his  lordship's  memory. 

At  a  small  distance  underneath: 

Let  wisdom  and  justice  preside  in  our  country,  the  people  will  re- 
joice and  must  be  happy. 

On  the  east  side: 


Concordia. 

On  the  sontli  side,  alluding  to  the  figures  of  Erit- 
tania  and  America  lioldiu*:^  Olive  branches  which 
unite  above  an  altar,  from  which  a  flame  arises: 

America!   behold  your  friend!    who  leaving  his  native  country, 
declined  those  additional  honors,  which  were  there  in  store  for  him 


56 


EPITAPHS   ON 


that  he  might  heal  your  wounds,  and  restore  tranquillity  and  happi- 
ness to  this  extensive  continent.  With  what  zeal  and  anxiety  he 
pursued  these  glorious  objects,  Virginia  thus  bears  her  grateful  testi- 
mony. 


1 1' 


#..! 


1!  Ill . 


ON  WILLIAM  BRADFORD. 

At  Philadelphia,  Pa.: 

This  tablet,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  William  Bradford,  late  attor- 
ney-general of  the  United  States,  and  formerly  attorney-general  and 
a  judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  Pennsylvania,  is  inscribed  by  his  dis- 
consolate widow,as  a  solemn  tribute  of  affection  and  respect.  In  private 
life  he  had  acquired  the  esteem  of  all  his  fellow-citizens ;  in  professional 
attainments  he  was  learned  as  a  lawyer,  eloquent  as  an  advocate ;  in 
the  execution  of  his  publick  offices  he  was  vigilant,  dignified  and  im- 
partial ;  yet  in  the  bloom  of  life ;  in  the  maturity  of  every  faculty,  that 
could  invigorate  and  embellish  the  human  mind ;  in  the  prosecution 
of  the  most  important  services  that  a  citizen  could  render  to  his 
country ;  in  the  perfect  enjoyment  of  the  highest  honors  that  pub- 
lick  confidence  could  bestow  upon  an  individual ;  blessed  in  all  the 
pleasures  which  a  virtuous  retiection  could  furnish  from  the  past, 
and  animated  by  all  the  incitements,  which  an  honourable  ambition 
could  depict  in  the  future ;  he  has  ceased  to  be  mortal. 

A  fever,  produced  by  a  fatal  assiduity  in  performing  his  official 
trust,  at  a  crisis  interesting  to  the  nation,  suddenly  terminated  the 
utility  of  his  publick  career,  extinguished  the  splendor  of  his  pri- 
vate prospects,  and  on  the  23rd  day  of  May,  1795,  in  the  40th  year 
of  his  age,  consigned  him  to  the  grave,  lamented,  honored  and 
beloved. 


I '  I 


ijpi 


ON    SAMUEL    DOiJNELL. 

At  New  York.N.  Y.: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  the  Hon.  Samuel  Donnell,  Esq.,  one  of 
the  first  counsellors  of  Massachusetts  under  their  present  charter, 
and  justice  of  the  peace  and  judge  of  the  inferior  court  in  the  coun- 
ty of  York.    He  died  9  Marqh,  171 7-18,  in  the  72  year  of  his  age. 


EMINENT  PERSONAGES. 


67 


ON   JOSEPH  HEED. 

At  Philadelphia,  Pa.: 

In  memory  of  the  virtues,  talents,  and  eminent  services  ot 
Gen.  Joseph  Reed,  born  in  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  on  the  27  of 
August,  1741.  He  devoted  himself  to  the  pursuit  of  knowledge, 
and  early  engaged  in  the  study  of  the  law.  By  his  erudition,  judg- 
ment and  eloquence,  he  soon  rose  to  the  highest  eminence  at  the 
bar;  but  at  the  call  of  his  country,  forsaking  every  private  pursuit, 
he  followed  her  standard  into  the  field  of  battle,  and  by  his  wisdom 
in  council  and  his  conduct  in  action  essentially  promoted  the  revolu- 
tion in  America.  Distinguished  for  his  many  public  virtues,  he  was 
on  the  I  of  December  1778,  unanimously  elected  president  of  this 
state.  Amidst  the  most  difficult  and  trying  scenes,  his  administration 
exhibited  disinterested  zeal  and  firmness  of  decision.  In  private  life 
accomplished  in  his  manners,  pure  in  his  morals,  fervent  and  faith- 
ful in  all  his  attachments,  he  was  beloved  and  admired.  On  the  5  of 
March  1785,  too  soon  for  his  country  and  his  friends,  he  closed  a  life- 
active,  useful  and  glorious. 

ON   THOMAS   WILLETT. 

At  Barrington^  P.  I. : 

Anno  1674.  Here  lyeth  the  body  of  the  worthy  Thomas  Willeti  , 
esq.,  who  died  4  August,  in  the  64  year  of  his  age,  who  was  the  first 
mayor  of  New  York  and  twice  did  sustain  that  place.  ^ 

ON  RICHARD    MONTGOMERY. 


X   i 


:    S| 


At  St.  Paul's,  iT^w  YorJc.JS'.  Y.: 

This  monument  is  erected  by  the  order  of  Congress,  25  January, 
1776,  to  transmit  to  posterity  a  grateful  remembrance  of  the  patri- 
otism, conduct,  enterprise,  and  perseverance  of  major  general 
Richard  Montgomery,  who  after  a  series  of  successes  amidst  the 
most  discouraging  difficulties,  fell,  in  the  attack  on  Quebec,  31  De- 
cember, 1775,  aged  37  years. 


58 


EPITAPHS   ON 


illii' 


III  1 1  ; 


5:; 


ON    JOHN   aLOVKR.  ^ 

AiMarhlehead,  Mass.: 

Erected  with  filial  affection  to  the  memory  of  the  hon.  John 
Glover,  esquire,  brigadier  general  in  the  late  continental  army* 
who  died,  30  January,  1797,  aged  64  years. 

•  ON    JOHN    LELAND. 

In  the  old  Cheshire  Cemetery,  Mass.,  is  the  follow- 
ing epitaph  on  Elder  Leland,  the  man  who  carried 
4;he  big  cheese  to  Jefferson : 

^  Here  lies  the  body  of 

s^  Rev.  John  Leland, 

Who  labored  67  years  " 

To  promote  piety  and  vindicate 
The  civil  and  religious  liberty  of  all  mankind. 

ON  O.  M.  AND  J.  H.  HANCOCK. 

In  the  Yazoo  City  Cemetery  may  be  seen  a  stone 
bearing  this  inscription: 

Here  lie  two  grandsons  of  John  Hancock — first  signer  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence.  (Their  names  are  respectively 
George  M.  and  John  H.  Hancock,)  and  their  eminence  hangs  on 
their  having  had  a  grandfather. 

ON  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

From  the  superb  monument  erected  in  the  burial 
ground  appertaining  to  Radnor  Church,  Chester 
County,  Penn.: 

In  honor  of  the  distinguished  military  services  of  major  general 
Wayne,  and  as  an  affectionate  tribut  ■  of  respect  to  his  memory, 


1«li: 


^11 


EMINENT    PERSONAGES. 


59 


this  stone  was  erected  by  his  companions  in  arms,  the  Pennsyl- 
vania state  society  of  Cincinnati,  4  July,  A.  D.  1809,  thirty-fourth 
anniversary  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  an 
event  which  constitutes  the  most  appropriate  eulogium  of  an  Amer- 
ican soldier  and  patriot.  * 

On  another  side  of  the  monument  is  the  following: 

Major  general  Anthony  Wayne  was  born  at  Waynesborough, 
in  Chester  county,  state  of  Pennsylvania,  A.  D.  1745.  After  a  life 
of  honour  and  usefulness,  he  died,  in  December,  1796,  at  a  military 
post,  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  commander  in  chief  of  the  army  of 
the  United  States.  His  military  achievements  are  consecrated  in 
the  history  of  his  country,  and  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen. 
His  remains  are  here  deposited. 

ON    ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

This  monument  is  erected  to  the  memory  of  the  Hon.  Israel  Put- 
nam, Esq.,  Maj.  Gen.  in  the  arr^ies  of  the  U.  S.  A.,  who  was  born 
at  Salem  in  the  province  of  Mass.,  on  the  7th  day  of  Jany.,  1718, 
and  died  at  Brooklyn  in  the  state  of  Conn.,  on  the  29th  day  of  May, 
A.  D.  1798. 

Passenger,  if  thou  art  a  soldier,  go  not  away  till  thou  hast  drop- 
ped a  tear  over  the  dust  of  a  Hero,  who  ever  tenderly  attentive  to 
the  lives  and  happiness  of  his  men,  dared  to  lead  where  any  one 
dared  to  follow. 

If  thou  art  a  patriot,  remember  with  gratitude  how  much  thou 
and  thy  country  owe  to  the  disinterested  and  gallant  exertions  of 
the  Patriot  who  sleeps  beneath  this  marble.  If  thou  art  an  honest, 
generous  and  worthy  man,  render  a  sincere  and  cheerful  tribute  of 
respect  to  a  man  whose  generosity  was  singular,  whose  honesty  was 
proverbial,  and  who  with  a  slender  education,  with  small  advan- 
tages and  without  powerful  friends,  raised  himself  to  universal  es- 
teem, and  to  offices  of  eminent  distinction  by  personal  worth,  and 
by  the  diligent  services  of  a  useful  life. 


1;- 


Si 


vi 


I|   );:iji 


fi' 
m 


i:i(-'- 


lllll 

B|j,: .,, 

iii  'I'i  ■ 


60 


EPITAPHS   ON 


ON    STEPHEN   A.    DOUGLASS. 


At  "Douglass  Place,"  Chicago,  Ills.,  stands  a  par- 
tially completed  monument  to  the  memory  of  Judge 
Douglass,  who  was  born  April  23d,  1813,  and  died 
June  3d,  1866.  ; 

The  inscription  reads: 

•'  Tell  my  children  to  obey  the  laws  and  uphold  the  constitution." 
ON    ABRAHAM    LINCOLN. 

In  Oak  Ridge  Cemetery,  SpHngfield,  Illinois, 
stands  the  National  Lincoln  Monument.  It  was 
erected  by  W.  D.  Richardson,  under  the  direction  of 
the  National  Lincoln  Monument  Association,  and 
dedicated  on  October  15th,  1874. 

It  is  now  open  for  the  inspection  of  visitors  for  the 
nominal  sura  of  twenty-five  cents,  and  the  association 
may  be  congratulated  in  securing  the  services  of  so 
able  a  custodian  as  Mr.  J.  C.  Power. 

The  ground  plan  of  the  monument  measures  one 
hundred  and  nineteen  feet  from  north  to  south,  and 
seventy-two  and  one-half  from  east  to  west.  The 
height  from  the  ground  line  to  the  apex  of  the  obelisk 
is  ninety-eight  feet  four  and  one-half  inches. 

The  statue  of  Mr.  Lincoln,  writes  Mr.  Power  in  his 
Illustrated  description  of  the  Monument,  stands  on  a 
pedestal  projecting  from  the  south  side  of  the  obelisk 
having  the  United  States  Coat  of  Arms  in  bronze, 
sunk  in  a  recess  on  its  front. 

The  Coat  of  Arms  is  somewhat  modified,  so  that 


EMINENT    PERSONAGES. 


61 


the  shield  with  part  of  the  stars  obscured  supports 
the  American  Eagle.  The  olive-branch  on  the  ground 
shows  that  having  been  tendered  until  it  was  spurned 
by  the  rebels,  it  was  then  cast  under  foot. 

Then  the  conflict  began,  and  raged  until  the  chain 
of  slavery  was  torn  asunder,  one  part  remaining 
grasped  in  the  talons  of  the  eagle,  and  the  other  heKl 
aloft  in  its  beak.  The  Coat  of  Arms  in  the  position 
it  occupies  on  the  monument  is  intended  to  typify 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Lincoln, 
on  the  pedestal  above  it,  makes  the  whole  an  illustra- 
tion of  his  position  at  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion. 
He  took  his  stand  on  the  Constitution,  as  his  author- 
ity for  using  the  four  arms  of  the  war-power  of  the 
government — the  Infantry,  Cavalry,  Artillery,  and 
the  Navy,  which  are  to  be  represented  in  groups 
around  him — to  hold  together  the  States  which  are 
represented  still  lower  down  the  monument,  by  a 
cordon  of  tablets,  linking  them  together  as  it  were,  in 
a  perpetual  bond  of  Union. 

On  the  south  front  of  the  monument,  just  beneath 
the  statue,  and  about  thirty  feet  above  the  ground, 
raised  letters  a  foot  long  may  be  seen,  composing  the 
one  word, 

LINCOLN. 

This  simple  inscription,  together  with  the  names 
of  the  States,  which  are  engraved  on  ashlars  repre- 
senting shields,  constitutes  all  the  lettering  on  the 
monument. 


M 


•  }h2 


■'i 


•if 


62 


El'ITAPHS   ON 


t'-; 


At  the  north  front,  is  the  Vestibule  to  the  Cata- 
comb. Inside  the  vestibule,  in  front  of  the  central 
crypt — the  catacomb  being  divided  into  five  crypts — 
is  a  marble  sarcophagus,  enclosing  a  red  cedar  shell, 
within  which  is  a  tightly  soldered  lead  coffin,  contain- 
ing all  that  was  mortal  of  Abraham  Lincoln. 

The  north  end  or  head  of  the  sarcophagus  is  near 
the  grated  door  of  the  vestibule,  and  bears  the  follow- 
ing inscription — the  central  word  of  which  is  sur- 
rounded by  an  oaken  wreath,  and  this  by  that  grand 
quotation  from  Lincoln's  inaugural  address: 

"With  malice  towards  none." 

LINCOLN. 

"  With  charity  to  all." 


Of  such  mighty  benefactors  of  mankind,  Words- 
worth says,  as  they  are  not  only  known  by  the  imme- 
diate Survivors,  but  will  continue  to  be  known  famil- 
i<'*,rly  to  latest  posterity,  they  do  not  stand  in  need  of 
delineations  of  character  to  individualize  them.  This 
is  already  done  by  their  works,  in  the  memories  of 
men.  Their  naked  names,  and  a  grand  comprehen- 
sive sentiment  of  civic  gratitude,  patriotic  love,  or 
human  admiration;  or  the  utterance  of  some  elemen- 
tary principle  most  essential  in  the  constitution  of 
true  virtue;  or  an  intention  communicated  in  ade- 
quate words  of  the  sublimity  of  intellectual  power, — 
these  are  the  only  tribute  which  can  here  be  paid — 


If! 


il'll''  !|ii 


EMINENT    PERSON  AGES. 


63 


the  only  oftering  that  upon  such  au  Altar  would  not 
be  unworthy: 

"  What  needs  my  Shakespeare  for  his  honored  bones 
The  labor  of  an  age  in  piled  stones, 
Or  that  his  hallowed  relics  should  lie  hid, 
t  Under  a  starry-pointing  pyramid? 
^  Dear  Son  of  Memory,  great  Heir  of  Fame, 

What  needst  thou  such  weak  witness  to  thy  name? 
Thou  in  our  wonder  and  astonishment, 
Hast  built  thyself  a  livelong  monument." 


ADMONITORY   EPITAPHS. 


! 


hi 
P< 


Admonitory  Epitaphs. 


"  Strive  to  live  well ; 

And  then,  how  soon  soe'er  thou  die, 

Thou  art  of  age  to  claim  eternity." — Randolph. 

In  the  old  hwvymg-^voww^  m  Dorchester,  Maas.y 
we  read: 

"  Here-heth-Buried-ye-body-of 
Mr.-William-Poole-aged-8i-years 
wh0-died-ye-25t11-of-february-1n 
Ye-yere  1674. 
Ye-Epitaph-of -William-Poole  -  which-hee-himself-make-while 
he-was-yet-living-in-remembrance-of-his-own-death-&-left-it-to 
be-ingraven  -  on  -  his  -  tomb  -  y  t  -  so  -being-dead-he-might-warn- 
posterity-or-a-resemblance-of-a-dead-man-bespeaking-ye-reader. 
Ho-passenger-'tis-worth-thy-pains-too-stay 
&-take-a-dead-man's-lesson-by-ye-way 
I-was-what-now-thou-art-&-thou-shalt-be 
What-I-am-now-what-odds-twixt-me-&-thee 
Now-go-thy-way-but-stay-take-one-word-more 
Thy-staf-for-ought-thou-knowest-stands-ye-next-dore 
Death-in-ye-dore-yea-dore-of-Heaven-or-Hell 
Be-warned-be-armed-believe-repent-fairewell. 

67 


1 1-  t 


U-' 


■it 

iili; 


68 


ADMONITORY 


A  tombstone  in  the  graveyard  at  Newtown^  Penn.y 
has  the  following: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  William  Evans,  who  departed  this  life, 

September  the  29th,  1734,  ^S^^y  5^  years. 

My:  pilgrim:  race:  I:  ran:  apace 

,  .  My :  resting  :place  is  here : 

This :  stone :  is :  got :  to :  keep  ye  spot — 
That  men  dig  not  too  near. 

At  the  cemetery  in  JVew  Preston,  Conn.,  is  an  an- 
cient stone,  dated  1782,  bearing  these  lines: 

Ye  people  all  now  pass  by, 

Stop  here  and  vew  this  place.  ' 

Remember  shortly  you  must  die 

Who  are  of  Adams  race. 


A. 


m 


i 


Ilillii 

'illl  I 


The  following  is  from  the  tombstone  of  Charles 
Wyman,  who  died  in  1785  and  was  interred  in  the 
old  burying-ground  near  Boston: 

Beneath  these  clods  of  silent  dust, 
I  sleep  where  all  ye  living  must ; 
The  gayest  youth  and  fairest  face, 
In  time  must  be  in  i'us  dark  place. 

From  the  old  west  burying-ground  in  Litchfield, 
Conn.: 

Wife  and  children  12 

Behold  and  see 
Prepare  in  time 

To  follow  me.     1785. 


In  memory  of 

Mr.  Samuel  Cutter 

who  departed  this  life 


mm'' 


EPITAPHS. 

April  7th,  1791, 
Aged  55  jears. 

A  sov'reign  God,  who  set  my  bounds, 
Did  quickly  take  my  breath, 
' '  Be  ready  then  each  hour  you  live 

To  meet  an  instant  death. 

At  Andover,  Mass.: 

John  Abbott,  1793,  iet.  90. 
Grass,  smoke,  a  flower,  a  vapor,  shade,  a  span. 
Serve  to  illustrate  the  frail  life  of  man ; 
And  they,  who  longest  live,  survive  to  see 
The  certainty  of  death,  of  life  the  vanity. 

At  New  Preston.  Conn.: 

1794. 

Here  lies  interred  a  blooming  youth, 
Who  lived  in  love  and  died  in  truth. 
Behold  and  see  as  you  pass  by. 
As  you  are  now  so  once  was  I, 
As  I  am  now  so  you  must  be ; 
Prepare  for  death  and  follow  me. 


69 


,  r  ■ 


'I 


' , ' ;  i 


An  old  gravestone  at  Kennehunh^  Maine^  has  the 
following: 

Rev.  Daniel  Little,  1801. 
Memento  mori !  preached  his  ardent  youth. 
Memento  mori !  spoke  maturer  years ; 
Memento  mori!  sighed  his  latest  breath. 
Memento  mori !  now  this  stone  declares. 


Ir 


W\ 


On  big  William  Smith,  killed  by  the  Pennamites, 
in  the  Wyoming  Valley^  Penn.: 

1784- 

Here  lies  the  body  of 


i:_.. 


I  If; 


70 


ADMONITORY 

William  Smith 

Mortals  attend — he  was 

called  forthwith. 

He  left  the  world  at 

twenty-five. 
A  warning  to  all 
•  that's  yet  alive. 
His  zeal  for  justice 
Tho'  hard  to  relate, 
It  caused  his  flight 
from  this  mortal  state. 


A  tombstone  in  Princeton,  Mass.^  bears  this  in- 
scription  to  the  memory  of  twins,  one  of  which,  how- 
ever, seems  to  be  non  est: 

Erected  in  memory  of 

Mr.  Ephraim  Jones,  son  of 

Major  and  Mrs.  Mary  Jones, 

who  died  June  2ist,  1784  JE.  27  years. 

In  womb  of  Mother  Earth  enclosed 
These  fleeting  Twins  ly  here  repos'd 
Tn  sprightly  youth  resign'd  their  Breath 
United  both  in  life  and  Death 


On  a  stone  in  the  graveyard  at  Westfieldy  Mass., 
may  be  seen  this  non-committal  inscription: 

Kiiju  reader: — this  stone  informs 

you  who  we  are ;  what  we  were  we 

tell  you  not.     What  we  ought  to 

,        have  been,  that  be  thou,  where  we 

now  are  you  will  know  hereafter. 

Remember  that  Christ  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 


EPITAPHS. 


71 


From  Hadley,  Mass.: 


Here  lies  buried  ,  '  :   . 

the  Remains 

John  Dwight 

fourth  son  of  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight 

President  of  Y.  College, 

and  Mary  his  wife. 

This  youth  was  born  at  Greenfield 

in  Connecticut 

Sept.  I  St  1784. 

And  died  in  Hadley  July  25  1803. 

in  the  19th  year  of  his  age,  the  next 

after  he  had  received  the  degree  of 

Bachelor  of  Arts  in  that  Seminary. 

Reader 
If  thou    art  a  youth  ot  hopeful  talents,  an  enlightened  education 
and  an  intence  love  to  knowledge,  a  disposition  distinguished  by 
amiableness  and  a  life  by  filial  duty,  fraternal  affection,  and  univer- 
sal gentleness  of  demeanor : 

Reinember 

That  with  all  these  advantages  thou  art 

destined  to  the  grave  and  to  Eternity ! 

There  was  hope  in  his  end. 

May  there  be  hope  in  thine. 


fi 


!        Ui 


If!  J 


From  a  stone  in  the  burying-ground  at  Hadley^ 
Mass.: 

In  memory  ot 

Miss  Mary  Cook,  who 

died 

Aug.  5th,  1806,  in 

32d  year  of 

her  age.  \ 

Look  on  my  friends  and  see 


'* 


72 


ADMONITORY 


^>;(}.,i 


m ' 


What  you  must  shortly  be ;  ' 

When  God  sends  death  you  all  must  die     ,/  •; 

And  feel  his  dart  as  well  as  I. 

From  Amherst  J  Mass.,  comes  the  following: 

Sacred  to  the  Memory 

of  Moses  Dickinson 

Esqr.     Who  quit  this 

dusky  Stage  In  the 

86th  year  of  his  age. 

Which  was  on  April 

ye  9th,  1803. 

Death  is  not  an  eternal  sleep, 
Therefore  my  friends  you  need  not  weep ; 
But  look  by  faith  beyond  the  grave. 
That  you  some  soled  peace  may  have. 

A  stone  by  the  roadside  in  Hadley,  Mass.,  bears 
the  following: 

To  the  memory 

of 

Chester  Smith 

Fourth  Son  of  Mr.  Joseph  Smith 

Who  on  this  spot  was  instantly  killed 

By  the  upsetting  of  a  load  of  wood 

January  25  AD  1810. 

yEtats  igrs. 

Passenger 
Hast  thou  a  son  of  promising  hopes 
Set  not  thine  heart  upon  him.     With 
submission  resign  him  to  that  Being,  who      . 
destroyeth  the  hopes  of  Man. 
Art  thou  a  youth  endued  {?)  with  vigor 
and  blooming  in  expectation  of  future 


aj 


I;' 


EPITAPHS. 

earthly  joys.    Remember  that  man 
knoweth  not  his  time  as  the  fishes  are 
taken  in  an  evil  net  and  as  the  birds  are 
caught  in  a  snare,  so  are  the  sons  of  men 
'  snared  iu  an  evil  time  when  it  falleth 

suddenly  upon  them. 

From  Tarrytown,  JV.  Y.: 

In 

Memory  of 

Louisa  Deutcher 

Daughter  of  John 

and  Jemima  Deutcher, 

who  departed  this  life 

June  22d  1814, 

aged  13  years,  6  months, 

and  18  days. 

Hark,  my  young  friends  the  arrows 

Of  death  now  rides  swiftly  along 

She  was  one  of  our  number  just  in  her  bloom 

She  is  called  away  by  death  and  staid  in  the  tomb. 

Although  she  is  dead  she  is  speaking  to  you 
Be  prepared  for  to  meet  the  last  troubles  of  life 
That  your  spirit  may  be  carried 
To  the  mansions  of  light. 

Although  she  is  dead  she  invites  yoii  to  come 
Look  you  in  the  churchyard  and  read  it  with  care 
Remember  it  is  nothing  before  our  bodies  lie  there 
For  there  she  lies  moulding  and  turning  to  clay. 


73 


.; 


I 


mi 


«  1 


A  tombstone   in   the   cemetery   at   JVew  Haven., 
Conn.,  erected  to  the  memory  of  Elizabeth  Day,  wife 


'ii 


■M' 


wm. 


B  S' 


74 


ADMONITORY 


of  James  Day,  one  of  the  former  Presidents  of  Yale 
College,  bears  this  inscription,  written  by  herself: 

I  would  not  wish  that  those  I  love,  ' 
Should  wander  here  at  close  of  day  • 

And  think  of  her  o'er  whom  they  rove 
As  dwelling  only  with  decay. 

No,  but  in  each  familiar  spot    . 

That  both  to  them  and  me  is  dear, 
There  I  would  not  be  all  forgot. 

Yet  ne'er  remembered  with  a  tear. 


At  Milford^  Penn.^  is  the  following: 

John   Breck, 
departed  this  life  April  19,  1819,  aged  11  yrs — 

Come  all  ye  mourners  to  the  tomb 
See  here  a  youth  cut  off  in  bloom, 
Although  he's  hurried  to  his  last 
We  hope  the  Lord  hath  found  him  rest. 

This  be  a  warning  to  ye  all 

Should  at  your  house  a  sick  youth  call, 

It's  not  a  secret  for  to  keep. 

But  let  his  parents  know  of  it. 


Inscribed  on  a  tombstone  in  the  graveyard  at  Hod- 
ley^  Mass.^  is  the  following: 


Roger  R —  son 

of 

Windsor  and  Elizabeth  Smith, 

died 

z  Nov.  1819,  JR.  23. 


KPITAPH8. 


75 


Youth !  canst  thou  heedless  view 
The  relics  of  the  dead : 
O  think :  beneath  your  feet 
There  lies  your  likeness. 


A  stone  in  Bedford  burying-ground,  Maas.^  has 
this  couplet: 

An  angels  arms  can't  snatch  you  from  the  grave, 
Legions  of  angels  can't  confine  us  here. 

In  the  burying-ground  at  Stm'hridge^  Mass.: 

Horace  Fisher,  son  of  Rev.  Arial  and  Betsey  Fisher, 

Born,  Nov.  i6,  1817,  Died  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

Jany  22,  1836,  aged  18. 

He  was  fitted  for  Brown  University,  but  four  weeks  previous  to 
the  commencement  for  1835,  he  had  an  attack  of  bleeding  from  the 
lungs,  which  terminated  in  a  fatal  c:)nsumption,  and  thus  his  hopes 
for  this  life,  and  the  hopes  of  his  friends  were  all  blasted. 

In  the  death  of  this  Son  a  Father  weeps  over  the  last  of  a  once 
lovely  family  who  all  here  sleep  silently  together  awaiting  the 
morning  of  the  Resurrection  while  he  is  expecting  sojn  to  lie  down 
with  them  in  the  long  sleep  of  death. 

Young  Man,  boast  not  of  thy  youth,  thy  strength,  and  thy  golden 
prospects,  they  are  no  security  against  the  shafts  of  Death. 
^'' Prepare  to  meet  thy  God." 

The  three  following  come  from  Sturhridge,  Mass.: 

My  lifes  ben  short 
My  soul  has  fled 
And  I  am  numb 
.ered  with  the  dead. 


Death  is  a  debt 
to  nature  due. 


If 


;Mil* 


s 


I  f 


76 


ADMONITORY 

which  I  have  paid 
&  so  must  you. 


His  dust  waits  till  the  jubilee, 
•     .  Shall  then  shine  brighter  than  the  sky, 

Shall  meet  and  join  to  part  no  more  • 

With  goodly  parents  thats  gone  before. 

In  an  old  graveyard  at  Grafton,  Vt.,  stands  a 
double  head-stone  bearing  the  following  inscriptions 
and  epitaphs : 

Thomas  K.  Park,  Jr.,  and  14  children  of  Thos.  K.  and 
Rebecca  Park. 
Youth,  behold  and  shed  a  tear,  ' 

See  fourteen  children  slumber  here ; 
See  their  image  how  they  shine 
Like  flowers  of  a  fruitful  vine. 

In  memory  of  Rebecca,  wife  of  Mr.  Thomas  K.  Park, 

who  died 
Sept  23,  1803,  in  the  40th  year  of  her  age. 
Behold  and  see  as  you  pass  by 
My  fourteen  children  with  me  lie. 
Old  and  young  you  soon  must  die 
And  turn  to  dust  as  well  as  I. 

The  following  is  an  inscription  which  may  be 
found  on  a  gravestone  in  the  burial-ground  at  Wind- 
sor, Maine: 

Here  lies  the  bodv  of  Richard  Thomas, 
an  inglishman  by  birth 
A  Whig  of '76.     . 
By  occupation  a  cooper 
Now  food  for  worms. 
Like  an  old  rum  puncheon 


if   ¥ 


EPITAPHS. 


77 


Marked,  numbered  and  shocked. 
He  will  be  raised  again 
and  finished  by  his  creator. 
He  died  Sept.  28,  1824;  aged  75. 
America  my  adopted  country 
My  best  advice  to  you  is  this 
take  care  ot  your  liberties. 


ri 


The  four  following  are  from  gravestones  in  Cal- 
vary Cemetery  near  (7A^ca^o, /Z^./ 

•  Her'='  lies  the  body  of 

*"  John  R 

'  Died  Jany  13th  1854,  aged  32  years. 

Remember  man,  beware  my  doom  is  thine 
Learn  through  me,  to  observe  ^he  Laws  divine, 
I  had  been  what  thou  art  here  this  day. 
Like  me  you  soon  must  sleep  within  the  clay. 

Mary 
t  wife  of 

Michael  K 


Died  Sept  19th  1862 
Aged  47  years. 
Remember  man  as  you  pass  by 
As  you  are  now  so  once  was  I 
As  I  am  now,  so  shall  you  be 
Prepare  for  death  and  follow  me. 


ILv 


Wm  C- 


Died  May  i8th  1862 
Aged  32  years. 
Go  home  my  wife  and  dry  up  your  tears 
Here  I  lie  till  Christ  appears. 
When  he  comes  I  mean  to  rise 
Into  a  life  that  never  dies. 


w 


78  ADMONITORY 

Edward  R 

Died  Aug.  3d  1867 
Aged  35  years. 
Farewell  dear  wife  iny  life  is  past 
My  love  to  you  while  life  did  last, 
And  after  me  no  sorrows  take 
But  love  my  orphans  for  my  sake.  .  , 

In  a  Saratoga  cemetery  is  a  tombstone  with  the 
following  inscription : 

Emma,  dau'r  of  Abraham  and  Matilda  C,  and  wife  of  Theodore 
S.,  died  Aug.  10,  1868,  JE,  26  years,  leaving  five  children — Married 
too  young  against  her  father's  will.      Single  women,  take  warning. 

From  Montgomery,  Alahama.  comes  this  admoni- 
tion: 

Stop  as  you  pass  by  my 

Grave.     Here,  I 

John  Schockler,  R  . . . .  Ey. 

rest  my  remains. 

I  was  born  in  N.  Orleans 

the  22d  of  Nov.  1841, 

was  brought  up  by  good 

friends ;  not  taking  their 

advice,  was  drowned, 

in  this  City 

in  the  Ala.  River, 

the  27th  of  May  1855; 

Now  I  warn  all  young  and  old,  to  beware  of  the  dangers  of  this 
River,  see  how  I  am  fixed  in  this  watery  grave ;  I  have  got  but  two 
friends  to  mourn. 

From  a  Churchyard  in  Pennsylvania: 

Eliza,  sorrowing,  rears  this  marble  slab  .  • 

To  her  dear  John,  rv/to  died  of  eaiing- cralf. 


t  m 


KPITAPII8. 


79 


On  a  gravestone  in  Ryegate^    Vf.,  may  be  found 
the  following  linos: 


In  memory  of 


He  died  in  July,  in  the  Eightietii  year  ot  tiie  American  Era.  He 
was  an  active,  honest,  and  successiiil  merchant,  and  a  firm  Demo- 
cratic representative  in  tiie  Legislature  of  Vermont.  He  died  as  he 
lived — happy. 

^,  I  lived  on  earth ;  I  died  on  earth ; 

In  earth  I  am  interred ; 
All  tiiat  have  life  are  sure  of  death ; 
The  rest  may  be  inferred. 

On  a  tombstone  in  N'ew  Jersey  is  this  significant 
couplet: 

Julia  Adams, 
Died  of  thin  shoes,  April  17th  1839,  aged  19  years. 

A  tombstone  at  Sturh ridge  Mass.,  bears  the  fol- 
lowing dialogue : 

Sarah  S.  daughter  of  Elijah  &  Lydia  Gibbs 

died  Feb.  8,  A.  D.  1843 

Aged  20 

"  T/ie  tnemory  of  the  Just  is  hlcssedr     Prov.  10.7. 

This  monumental  marble  is  placed  here  by  Saml.  P.  Crawford  of 
Woodstock,  in  grateful  remembrance  of  Miss  G.  who  was  his  par- 
ticular friend. 

There  was  a  time,  that  time  is  past, 
When  youth,  I  bloomed  like  thee, 
The  time  will  come,  'tis  coming  fast, 
When  thou  shalt  fade  like  me. 

Sarah 
Sleep,  Sarah,  Sleep,  &  take  thy  rest, 
God  called  thee  home,  he  thought  it  best. 

Preston. 


U 


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i,'i 


111 


J:))' 


80 


ADMONITORY 


From  a  tombstone  in  Connectieut: 

Tis  child  and  tomb  who  h-om  the  womb 
Remind  us  of  our  death — 
All's  vanity,  for  we  must  die 
And  gone  as  in  a  breath — 

Glory  to  God,  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 
By  Quakers,  Friends  and  Holy  Ghosts, 
Let  saints  and  angels  all  be  blest, 
Our  souls  ascend  and  bodies  rest. 

From  the  grave  of  a  singing-master  in  the  church- 
yard of  the  villagj  of  Harpole: 

He  lamed  singing  far  and  near 

Full  twenty  year  and  more; 

But  fatal  death  hath  stopped  his  breath, 

And  he  can  lame  no  more. 

His  scholars  all  that  are  behinde. 

Singing  he  did  unfold ; 

Exhorting  all  their  God  to  minde. 

Before  they  turn  to  molde. 


I 

iiil 


On  Mr.  Daniel  Noyes'  tomb-stone: 

As  you  are,  so  was  T 

God  did  call  and  I  did  dy. 

Now  Children  all  whose  name  is  Noyes, 

Make  Jesus  Christ 

Your  only  choice. 

On  a  torn  bo  lone  at  Getty  nlnirg^  Penn.: 

Remember  man  as 

yow  pass  by  that 

vou  must  die  as  well  as  1. 


i 


EPITAPHS. 


81 


On  the  tombstone  of  Mr.  Thomas  Clark,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  84,  and  his  wife  who  died  several  years 
after  at  the  same  advanced  age,  may  be  found  the 
following  stanzas: 

The  father's  voice  is  heard  no  more, 
Though  spared  to  fourscore  years  and  four, 
Let  sleeping  dust  in  accents  cry, 
To  cliildren  dear  prepare  to  die. 

Advanced  in  life  to  equal  years. 

The  mother  also  disappears, 

Let  death  the  warning  still  repeat, 

Prepare  your  friends  in  heaven  to  meet. 

The  following  is  from  the  Potter's-iield  at  York- 
vUle,  Canada:  ,, 

Come  all  young  men  as  you  pass  by 

And  stop  and  read  before  you  cry. 

I  am  the  mother  of  7  children, 

4  sons  have  I. 

3  of  them  was  wicked  and  wild  which 

caused  me  here  to  lie. 
The  Sth  of  April  I  walked  to  the  jail.  I  saw  my  son  in  chains. 
The  i6th  of  April  I  took  my  bed,  the  25th  then  I  died.  I  have  an 
honest  and  industrious  husband  that  you  all  know  so  well.  He 
provided  a  living  for  i»s  while  travelling  here  below.  My  sister, 
standing  by  my  side  thus  to  me  did  say : — 'Have  you  made  your 
PEACE  WITH  THE  LORD.^  I  answered  'Yea.'  I  towed  my  head, 
closed  my  eyes,  and  said,  'good  by,  my  friends,  good  by :  1  have  no 
more  to  say.' 

In  Rose  Hill  Cemetery  near  Chicago,  III.,  is  a 
monument  bearing  this  inscription: 

Ludlam. 

In  this  retreat  of  Natures  quiet  joy 


Ij 


1 1J' 


■II 

it 


II 


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I, '(,, 


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I'll 


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82  ADMONITORY 

Be  sacred  ground  here  let  the  forms  that  bear 
Our  hearts  upon  them  lie  in  peace. 
Here  let  our  own  mortality  drop  down  to  rest 
Here  let  us  come  to  learn  and  feel  how  small 
The  interest  of  time — how  vast  the  worth 
Of  that  which  hath  no  end. 

On  the  tombstone  of  a  ConneGticut  deacon's  wife: 

Here  lies  cut  down  like  unripe  fruit ; 
The  wife  of  deacon  Amos  Shute ; 
She  died  of  drinking  too  much  coffee, 
Anny  Dominy  eighteen  forty. 

From  Charleston^  South  Carolina: 

Reader,  I've  left  this  world,  in  which 

I  had  a  world  to  do ; 
Sweating  and  fretting  to  get  rich, — 
Just  such  a  fool  as  you. 

On  an  unfortunate  deacon  we  have  the  following: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Deacon  Spear, 
Whose  mouth  did  reach  from  ear  to  ear, 
Stranger  tread  lightly  o'er  the  sod 
For  if  he  yapes  your  gone — by  cod. 

On  the  wife  of  an  early  settlei*: 

She  the  first  tenant  of  this  lonely  yard 
Where  ne'er  before  a  mourners  voice  was  heard. 
Dear  friends  and  neighbors  I  view  her  peaceful  home, 
A  few  more  days  and  hither  to  you  must  come. 

A  tombstone  on  Long  Island,  erected  by  a  sea- 


ij.'.  i ! 


ii 


1 


KI'ITAPHS. 


83 


captain   over    his    third    wife,    bears  the    folio wiii^ 
suggestive  lines: 

Behold  ve  living  mortals  passing  by, 
How  thick  the  partners  of  one  husband  lie, 
Vast  and  unsearchable  the  ways  of  God : 
Just  but  severe  his  chastening  rod. 

From  a  churchyard  in  Maine: 

Here  beneath  this  stone  there  lies, 
Waiting  a  summons  to  the  skies. 
The  body  of  Samuel  Jinking. 
He  was  an  horiest  Christian  man. 
His  fault  was  that  he  took  &  ran 
Suddenly  to  drinking. 
Whoever  reads  this  tablet  o'er, 
Take  warning  now  and  drink  no  more. 

From  ConneGtimLt: 

My  fellow  Youth,  stop  here  awhile, 
And  see  my  monumental  pile; 
Once  I  like  vou  alive :  But  ah ! 
Am  nothing  now  but  native  clay. 

From  Calvaiy  Cemetery,  near  Chieago,  III.: 

Stop,  sinner,  and  consider 
What  is  your  mortal  state 
Repent  and  be  converted 
Ere  it  be  to  late. 

This  is  from  a  tombistone  in  East  Tennessee: 

She  lived  a  life  of  virtue  and  died  of  the  Cholera,  caused  by  eat- 
ing green  fruit,  in  the  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality,  at  the  early 
age  of  21  years  7  months  and  16  days.  Reader  go  thou  and  do 
likewise. 


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prntf 


84  ADMONITORY   - 

From  a  tombstone  in  Massachusetts: 

I  came  in  the  morning — it  was  Spring 
*  And  I  smiled, 

I  walked  out  at  noon — it  was  Summer, 

And  I  was  glad, 
I  sat  me  down  at  even — it  was  Autumn, 

And  I  was  sad, 
I  laid  me  dow-n  at  night — it  was  Winter, 

And  I  slept. 

In  Calvary  Cemetery,  near  Chicago^  III.^  is  a 
tombstone  bearing  this  inscription: 

Go  home  my  wife,  dry  up  your  tears, 
I  am  not  dead,  but  sleeping  here, 
I  am  not  yours,  but  Christs  alone — 
He  loved  me  best,  to  Him  I've  gone. 

From  the  old  burial-ground  of  the  beautiful  town 
oi  Ridge  field,  Connecticut,  we  have  the  three  follow- 
ing: 

To  her  whose  memory  we  record. 

All  words  are  wrote  in  vain;- 

But  to  the  living  it  aftbrds 

Her  age,  and  death,  and  where  she's  lain. 

Remetnber  this  as  you  w'alk  round. 
All  must  return  into  the  ground ; 
For  by  transgression  in  the  garden 
Adam  did  receive  his  warning; 
And  as  God's  word  does  prove  true, 
I  have  returned,  and  so  must  you. 

Death  the  great  conqueror,  has  took  my  friend  away, 
Rest  here,  imtil  the  great  judgment  day; 
No  dropping  tear  or  pardner's  aching  heart 
Can  secure  from  deaths  most  cruel  dart. 


EPITAPHS. 


85 


At  Ipswich,  Mass.: 


Death  is  a  debt  to  nature  due, 

We've  paid  the  debt,  and  so  must  you. 

This  comes  from  a  tombstone  in  ITew  Jersey: 

Reader  pass  on !  dont  waste  your  time  \ 

On  bad  biography  and  little  rhyme ;  \ 

For  what  I  am  this  crumbling  clay  insures,  ) 

And  what  I  was,  is  no  affair  of  yours! 

In  a  churchyard  in   ConneGticut,  is  a  tombstone, 
the  inscription  on  which  concludes  thus: 

In  usual  health  I  left  my  home 

To  see  my  friends  abroad 
There  God  sent  death  and  cut  me  down 

O  reader  be  prepared. 


Pi 


A  gravestone   in   the   old   west    burying-ground, 
Litchfield,  Conn.,  has  this  inscription: 

Death  conquers  all 
both  young  and  old 
tho'  ever  so  wise,  discreet  and  bold 
in  helih  and  strength  this  youth  did  die 
in  a  moment  without  one  crv 
Killed  by  a  cart. 

• 

The  following  beautiful  stanza  is  copied  from  the 
tomb  of  Mrs.  D ,  Trenton,  New  Jersey: 

The  meed  of  merit  ne'er  shall  die, 
Nor  modest  worth  neglected  lie, 
The  fame  that  pious  virtue  gives, 


i^ 


i'  ml  fe 


86  ADMONITORY. 

The  Memphian  monuments  outlives. 
Reader,  wouldst  thou  secure  such  praise, 
Go,  learn  Religion's  pleasant  ways. 

From  a  tombstone  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.: 

Zum  gedachtniss  des  wohl  chuv.  Ilerrn  pfarrersJonN  Conrad 
Steiners,  welcher  zu  Winterthur  in  der  Schweiz  den  i  ten.  Jan- 
uary 1707  geboren;  im  October,  1749,  nach  Philadelphia  in  Pen- 
sylvanien  gekommen;  und  nach  dem  er  uber,  12  jahr,  zu  stadt  und 
land  das  predigtamt  treulich  ver  waltet,  von  seinem  meister  und 
erzhirten  Jesu,  hen  6  ten.  July,  1762,  in  die  ewige  freid  geruffen; 
seinis  alters  55  jahr,  6  monat,  und  6  tage. 

Gelehrter,  hier  kanst  du  dein  bild  im  grabe  sehn  und  denke  nur 
gewisz,  es  wird  dir  auch  sogehn  richtstdu  dein  lehramt  so  wie,  der 
hier  ruhet  ein,  wird  deine  wissenschaft  und  lehr  nicht  schadlich 
seyn;  wirst  du  wie  er  vertblgt,  und  streitst  so  fur  den  Ilerrn,  kanst 
du  an  einem  tag  auch  leuchten  als  ein  stern. 

[Tkanslation. — In  memory  of  that  honored  min- 
ister, John  Oonrau  Steinp:rs,  who  was  born  at  Win- 
terthur, in  Switzerland,  1  Jan.  1707,  arrived  in  Phil- 
adelphia, Penn.,  in  October,  1749,  and  after  having 
faithfully  labored  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  min- 
istry, for  upwards  of  12  years,  both  in  city  and 
country,  was  called  by  his  master  and  chief  shepherd 
Jesus,  6  July,  1762,  into  eternal  joy.  His  age  was 
55  years,  6  months,  and  6  days. 

Man  of  learning,  here  yon  may  see  your  image  in 
the  grave;  think  certainly  so  also  it  must  be  with 
thee.  If  thou  like  him  thine  office  slialt  discharge, 
then  science,  learning,  shall  not  injure  thee.  If,  like 
him  persecuted,  thou  shalt  so  contend  for  God,  thou 
also  like  a  star  mayest  shine  in  the  great  day.] 


'■■  I    t; 


If 


i 


I  » 


DEVOTIONAL   EPITAPHS. 


,y 


Devotioxnal  Epitaphs. 


*'  Naj,  but  'tis  not  the  end : 
God  were  not  God,  if  such  a  thing  could  be." 

— Phoebe  Cory. 


Fragments  of  the  following  beautiful  epitaph  may 
be  seen  gracing  tombstones  in  many  of  our  church- 


yards : 


"Weep  not,"  jc  mourners  tor  the  dead, 
But  in  this  hope  your  spirits  soar, 
That  ye  can  say  of  those  ye  mourn, 
They  are  not  lost  but  gone  before. 

Christ  to  the  widow'd  mother  said, 
"  Weep  not^''  and  thus  He  healed  her  pain ; 
And  now  to  ye,  who  mourn,  He  says, 
'■'■Weep  not,"  ye  all  shall  meet  again. 

And  in  this  hope  we  live,  that  death, 
Who  plucks  from  earth  its  fairest  flowers. 
Doth  give  them  back  to  God  again, 
To  plant  in  brighter  lands  than  ours. 
89 


I '  '■■I'v'v 


90 


DEVOTIONAL 


111  Newbury  port.  Mass.^  is  an  old  gravestone  bear- 
ing these  words: 

A  resurrection  to  imniortalitv  is  liere  expected  lor  what  was 
mortal  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  John  Richardson,  once  fellow  of  Ilar- 
\'ard  College,  afterwards  teacher  to  the  church  of  Newbury. 

Put  oft' April  7,  1676. 

On  an  ancient  stone  at  Middletown^  Conn.: 

Beneath  thjs  stonne 
Death's  pris'ner  lyes ; 
The  stonne  shalle  move, 
The  pris'ner  ryse — 1682. 

From  the  "Old  West  bnrying-ground"  in  Litchfieldj 
Conn. : 

Beneath  this  stone 
Deaths  prisoner  lies 
The  stone  shall  move 
The  prisoner  rise — 1762. 

Beneath  this  ground 

his  body  must  lie 

Until  the  resurrection  day — 1775. 

Lo  here  I  leave  this  earthly  clay 
And  fly  beyond  ethereal  blue 
Unchanged  into  eternal  day 
To  sing  the  praise  of  God  anew —  1 790. 


~!a 


On  the  Revd.  Samuel  Newel's  tomb,  Bristol,  li.  I.: 

—1789— 

Death!    Great  Proprietor  of  all !    'tis  thine 
To  tread  out  Empires,  and  to  quench  ye  Stars. 


KPITAIMIS. 


91 


I. 


I. 


At  New  Preston^  Conn.: 

— tSoo — 
Blest  is  the  chieftain  whose  decease, 
Transmits  his  soul  to  endless  peace, 
Whose  flesh  still  slumbers  in  the  dust 
'Till  waked  to  join  the  rising  just. 

At  Watertown.,  Mas^.: 

Here   lies 

buried  the  body  of 

Mrs.  Abigail  Stone 

Relict  to  Mr.  Ebenezer  Stone,  Junr. 

She  departed  this  life  March  31 

1789,  aged  71  years. 

O  how  the  Resurrection  light. 
Will  clarify  Believers'  sight; 
How  joyful  will  the  saints  arise; 
And  rub  the  dust  from  otY  their  eyes ; 

My  soul  my  body  I  will  trust 
With  him  who  numbers  every  dust; 
My  Saviour  faithfully  w  ill  keep. 
His  own,  for  death  is  but  a  sleep. 

From  Copp's  Hill  Boston,  Mass.! 

Sacred 

to  the  memory  of 

Mrs.  Sarah  Mellish,  who 

departed  this  life 
Jan.  7,  1817,  aged  82  years. 
Lively  I  walked  life's  journey  through, 
-  'Till  I  arrived  at  eighty  two; 
Then  calm  descended  i    re  to  rest. 
In  hope  to  be  forever  blest. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


■MBIIM 


92 


DEVOTIONAL 


iJ  ,51 


From  Holiis,  New  Hampshire: 

Our  Little  Jacob 
Has  been  Taken  Away  from  this  Earthly  Garden 

To  Bloom 

In  a  superior  Flower-pot 

Above. 

From  Rose  Hill  Cemetery,  Chicago: 

Madora  M 


died  July  23-1848. 
— Aet,  1 1  months  &  1 1  days — 
Ere  sin  could  blight  01  sorrow  fade 
Death  came  with  friendly  care, 
The  opening  bud  to  Heaven  conveyed 
And  bade  it  blossom  there. 

At  the  Necropolis,  Toronto,  Canada: 

The  beloved  Children  of 
William  and  Mary  Robins. 
The  less  of  this  cold  world,  the  more  of  Heaven : 
The  briefer  life,  the  earlier  Immortality. 

From  a  burying-groimd  near  Carronhrooh^  Ont., 
Canada: 

Bold  Infidelity,  turn  pale  and  die ; 
Under  this  stone  an  infant's  ashes  He, 
Say,  is  it  lost  or  saved .?  • 

II  death's  by  sin,  it  sinned,  because  'tis  here ; 
If  heaven's  by  works,  it  can't  in  heaven  appear : 

Ah!  Reason,  how  depraved ! 
Revere  the  Bible's  sacred  page :  the  knot's  untied ; 
It  died  thro'  Adam's  sin ;  it  lives— /or  ycsus  died. 

This  epitaph  taken  from   Richmond's  "  Annals  of 


EPITAPHS 


93 


the  Poor,"  may  be  seen  on  an  ancient  stone  at  Rioh- 
mond,  Va.: 

This  lovely  bud,  so  young  and  fair, 
CalPd  hence  by  early  doom, 
Just  came  to  show  how  sweet  a  flower 
In  Paradise  might  bloom. 

In  the  burying-groiind  at  Northampton,  Mass.,  is 
a  stone  inscribed: 

Little  Mary 

WITH  us  5  WEEKS.      OUR  FATHER 

took  her  home,  july  31,  1854. 
Bridgman. 


Bedford^  Mass.,  has  a  tombstone  with  this  stanza: 

This  body  moulderin  in  the  dust 
Early  cut  down  and  slain 
.  .  So  by  the  righteousness  of  Christ 

Shall  be  alive  again. 


. . .  i  •  /' 


From  Delaware.,  Ohw:  *     . 

Blessed  are  the  homesick, 
For  they  shall  get  home. 

Epitaph  on  a  boatman  copied  from  a  tombstone  in 
Deal  Churchyard,  Canada: 


In  memory  of 


-who  died  March  2 2d  1850,  aged  74 — 
Full  many  a  life  he  saved 
With  his  undaunted  crew ; 

•  He  put  his  trust  in  Providence, 

And  CARED  NOT  HOW  IT  BLEW. 


.,■:  .■■i.JE,?:-. 


94 


DEVOTIONAL 


On  a  tombstone  in  Calvary  Cemetery,  Chicago^  are 
these  lines : 


Thomas  B- 


Also: 


Died  Dec.  4,  1862. 

— Aet,  10  years — 
Long  illness  did  he  bear 
Physicians  were  in  vain 
Till  God  did  please     . 
To  give  him  ease 
And  free  him  from  all  pain. 


Edward  P- 
Died 


And  this: 


Oct  3—1 868— 
•Aged  6  years  and  10  months- 
Sleep  on  dear  Eddie 
And  take  your  rest 
God  called  you  home 
He  thought  it  best. 


Alice  L- 
Born  Mav 


7 — 1869 —  • 

,■     Departed  this  Life 
Nov  12 — 1S69 
— Rest  in  the  Lords  Peace —         , 

At  Rose  Hill  Cemetery,  Chicago^  is  the  following: 

Our  Mattie 
Born  July  2?.,  1853 
*  —Died  July  1870—  . 

She  went  homj  with  the  Angels,  the  Angels  of  God, 
Only  leaving  her  body  to  sleep, 
Forever  that  sweet  form  in  its  coffin  was  laid, 
She  went  up  to  Heaven  and  was  not  afraid. 


EPITAPHS. 


95 


A  gravestone  on  Long  Island^  Maine^  has  these 
lines : 

Farewell!   my  dear  husband  saith  she, 
Now  from  your  kind  bosom  I  leap — 
To  Jesus  my  Bridegroom  to  be — 
My  flesh  in  the  tomb  shall  soon  sleep. 

Now  like  a  disconsolate  dove 

I'm  left  all  alone  for  to  mourn 

Oh !  may  the  kind  Saviour  above, 

Show  pity  to  me  while  alone. 

From  the  burying-groiind  at  Monadnock^  N.  II., 
come  these  two: 

—Sally— 
Our  babe's  an  angel  up  in  Heaven 
We  hope  her  sins  are  all  forgiven.  -\ 


■  We  had  a  darling  little  boy, 

.  He  was  our  comfort  and  our  joy. 

In  spite  of  all  that  we  could  say 
Dear  Jesus  took  his  soul  away. 

From.  Bridgeioate?',  Mass.: 

lere  lies  buried  Mrs.  Martha  Alden,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Eleazar 
Alden,  who  died,  6  January  1769,  aged,  69  years. 
The  resurrection  day  will  come 
And  Christ's  strong  voice  will  burst  the  tomb ; 
The  sleeping  dead,  we  trust  will  rise 
With  joy  and  pleasure  in  her  eyes, 
And  ever  shine  among  the  wise. 

At  Baltimore,  Md.: 

In  memory  of  William   Bradford,  Joseph,  Anna  Maria, 


iii" 


96 


DEVOTIONAL 


Joseph  Hutchins,  and  Anna  Catharine,  children  of  the  rev. 
Joseph  G.J.  Bend,  and  Mary  B.  Bend  his  wife,  who  have  been,  in 
the  merciful  and  wise  providence  of  their  heavenly  Father,  taken 
away  from  the  evil  to  come,  and  added  to  the  angelick  choirs. 
Thy  will,  O  Lord,  be  done. 

At  Hanover^  N.  J.: 

In  memory  of  Mrs.  Katharine  Eckley,  who  by  a  sudden  ac- 
cident, died,  i8  August,  A.  D.  1772,  anno  aetatis  46. 
To  this  sad  shrine  the  reliques  we  commend 
Ot,  once,  the  tender  mother,  wife  and  friend; 
Too  soon,  alas !  those  tender  ty es  were  broke 
Friends,  husband,  children  felt  the  fatal  stroke ; 
Yet  cease,  fond  grief,  no  murmuring  sigh  arise,  i 

Heaven  struck  the  blow,  and  heaven  is  just  and  wise. 
Think,  dying  passenger,  life's  final  date 
Steals  on  thee  heedless  of  impending  fate. 
While  pleasure  courts  thee  with  her  smiling  charms, 
Prepare  to  meet  thy  God,  the  tomb  alarms.  ' 

"i)/rt«  Cometh  forth  like,  a  flower  and  is  cut  dozvn^^ 

Job.  14-2. 

Oil  a  plain  marble  stone  \\\  an  old  Canadian  cem- 
etery is  this  brief  inscription: 

'    Our  mother 

Fell  asleep  *  * 

Dec  25th  1837. 

.E  49.  ^  . 

When  ivill  morning  come  f 


Yxoxw  Elisabeth  N .  J .: 

Here  lies,  in  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection,  the  body  of  David 
Ogden,  who  was  born  26  October,  O.  S.  1726,  and  who  died  in  the 
triumphs  of  faith,  28  November,  N.  S.  1801.     For  57  years  he 


EPITAPHS. 


97 


adorned  the  Christian  profession  by  a  holy  and  exemplary  life,  and 
for  15  years  discharged  the  duties  of  a  deacon  to  the  first  presbyte- 
riun  church  in  this  town,  with  prudence,  fidelity,  and  acceptance. 

Softly  his  fainting  head  he  lay 

Upon  his  Saviour's  breast ; 

His  Saviour  kiss'd  his  soul  away, 

And  laid  his  limbs  to  rest. 

Yrom  Greenland,  N.  H.: 

To  the  memory  of  Samuel  Macclintock,  D.  D.,  who  died,  27 
April  1804  in  the  72  year  of  his  age,  and  48  of  his  ministry. 

His  body  rests  here  in  the  certain  hope  of  a  resurrection  to  life 
and  immortality,  when  Christ  shall  appear  the  second  time  to  de- 
stroy the  last  enemy,  death,  and  to  consummate  the  great  design  of 
his  mediatorial  kingdom. 

*        "  ■        . 

From  New  York^N.  Y.: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  William  Beekman,  jun.  son  of  John 
and  Mary  E.  G.  Beekman,  who  died  of  the  epidemick  fever,  at  the 
Wallabought,  on  Long  Island,  24  October,  A.  D.  1805,  aged  11 
years,  8  months,  24  days. 

'Till  the  If.st  hour  of  general  doom 
May  angels  guard  the  precious  trust, 
Lock  the  cold  chamber  of  his  tomb, 
And  keep  secure  his  sleeping  dust. 

May  joys  celestial  him  await, 
When  risen  from  the  gloomy  grave ; 
Then  shall  he  share  the  happy  fate 
Of  those,  whom  Jesus  died  to  save. 

From  .Frankfort,  Penn. : 

Life  makes  the  soul  dependent  on  the  dust, 
Death  gives  her  wings  to  mount  above  the  spheres. 
Through  chink's  styl'd  organs  dim  life  peeps  at  light. 
Death  bursts  th'  involving  cloud,  and  all  is  day. 


1 .1 

.i  i 


■t   !» 


I 


i; 


nil 

ii 


■ii 


1/  Ir.*  — *■ 


98 


DEVOTIONAL 


From  Albany ,  N.  Y.: 

I.  II.  S.     Departed  this  life,  17  January,  1813  in  charity  with  all 

men  and  in  hope  of  a  happy  resurrection  through  the  merits  of  a 

crucified  Redeemer,  Thomas  Barry,  a  native  of  Ireland  and  45 

years,  a  worthy  citizen  of  Albany,  aged  75  years  and  one  month. 

R.  I.  P. 

From  Providence^ R.  I.: 

This  monumental  stone  is  briefly  commemorative  of  the  virtues, 
which  adorned  the  life  of  Mr.  John  Rogers,  merchant,  native  of 
Newport,  Rhode  Island,  but  more  than  thirty  ^  ears,  a  respected  in- 
habitant of  Providence.  He  departed  this  life  on  the  17  day  of  July, 
Anno  Domini  1810,  in  the  54  year  of  his  age.  His  character,  as  a 
man,  was  estimable;  as  a  merchant,  eminent;  as  a  husband,  exeni- 
plary ;  as  a  parent  anxiously  affectionate.  His  heart  beat  responsive 
to  the  touch  of  fraternal  affection  and  glowed  with  the  purest  ema- 
nations of  fervent  friendship.  The  remembrance  of  his  dyinej  ex- 
pressions of  faith  and  trust  in  the  mercy  of  God,  through  the  merits 
of  the  divine  Redeemer,  is  cherished  with  pensive  satisfaction,  by 
his  surviving  relatives,  one  of  whom  hath  caused  this  frail  memo- 
rial to  be  erected  and  it  is  her  consolation  to  believe  that  his  virtues 
are  recorded  with  an  angel's  pen  in  heaven's  high  chancery. 

From  Portsmouth^  N.  H.: 

She  died,  and  guardian  angels  on  the  wing 

Upbore  her  spirit  to  th'  eternal  king ; 

There  at  the  fountain  of  immortal  joy. 

Unceasing  pleasures  flow  without  alloy ; 

There  tears  are  wip'd  from  sorrows  streaming  eyes. 

And  the  kind  Saviour  every  want  supplies. 

From  liosellill  Cemetery, /7^^c«^o,  over  the  grave 
of  two  babes: 

Fare  you  well  sweet  buds  of  beauty — 


EPITAPHS. 

Stainless  spirits  fare  you  well — 
You  were  far  too  fair  and  lovely 
In  a  world  like  this  to  dwell. 


99 


Epitaph  on  three  little  ones  in  Rose  Hill  Cemetery, 
Chicago: 

Little  Hearts  forever  stainless, 
Little  Hands  as  pure  as  they, 
Little  feet  by  Angels  guided, 
Never  a  forbidden  way. 

From  the  graveyard  at  Canton^  III.,  we  take  the 
following: 

We  part  to  meet  again, 
What  a  joy  ful  thought. 


The  first  link 

In  the  chain  that  binds  us  to  earth 

Is  broken. 


Sleep  on  sweet  babe 
And  take  your  rest. 
For  such  as  thou 
Our  Saviour  blest. 


The  bud  was  spread 
To  show  the  rose 
Our  Saviour  smiled 
The  bud  was  closed. 


''Tis finished,  tis  done,  the  spirit  is  tied — 
The  prisoner  is  gone,  the  Christian  is  dead. 

On  a  stone  in  the  "  Old  West  burying-ground"  in 
Litchfield,  Conn.: 

Beneath  this  stone  lies  children  5 


H 


100 


DEVOTIONAL 


Endearing  objects  when  alive, 
Though  long  in  silence  they  have  lain 
They  certain  will  revive  again. 

Over  the  grave  of  a  little  one  in  Rose  Hill  Ceme- 
tery, Chicago,  is  this  inscription: 

Our  Charlie. 
Gone  to  meet  papa. 

In  Black ville  churchyard,  South  Carolina: 

Here  lies  Aunt  Isabel, 
She  dy  ob  de  shakes, 
"  Bless  de  lamb  ob  God." 

A  Columbus  tombstone  says: 

They've  buried  me 
'Longside  of  she, 
And  together  in  heaven 
Is  her  and  me. 


From  a  gravestone  in  Illinois: 


D.  J.  H- 


-,  son  of- 


died  March  31st,  1859,  aged 
one  year,  six  months  and  ten  days. 

My  days  on  earth  indeed  were  few 

But  earth  is  full  of  woe; 
And  had  I  staid  with  Pa  and  you, 

I  must  have  found  it  so. 


In  Affectionate  Remembrance 

of 

Mrs.  Annie  L.  Evans 

Who  died  March  31st  1874; 

Aged  2 1  years,  4  months. 


i 


EPITAPHS.  101 

« 

Afflictions  sore,  so  hard  I  bore 

Physician's  skill  was  vain, 
Till  God  above  in  tender  love, 

Released  me  of  my  pain. 

He  plucked  me  like  a  tender  flower 

From  this  world  of  faded  light, 
To  dwell  among  the  angels. 

Up  in  heciven  so  fair  and  bright. 

I  leave  an  infant  babe 

To  receive  a  father's  care. 
Who  will  build  treasures  up  in  heaven 

And  they  will  some  day  meet  me  there. 

A  tombstone  in  Trenton.  N.  e/^,  has  the  following: 

The  boiling  coffee  did  on  me  fall 

And  by  it  I  was  slain,  • 

But  Christ  has  bought  my  liberty, 

And  in  Him  I'll  rise  again. 

From  Walpole^  on  Mtha  Carpenter,  aged  68  years, 
2  months  and  5  days:  , 

And  how  it  made  my  bosom  heave 
.     To  hear  my  dearest  sister  breathe 
And  God  to  carry  out  his  plans, 
~  Caused  her  to  die  within  my  hands. 

And  now  dear  Saviour  please  adore 
■  Her  mother,  aged  eighty-four; 

Look  down  fvom  on  high 
And  bless  her  ere  she  die. 


i 


The  following   stanzas   are   from    tombstones    in 
Bridport,  Vt.: 


102 


DEVOTIONAL. 


My  time  on  earth  is  done  you  see, 
For  the  Great  Judge  liath  called  for  me, 
Whose  call  I'm  ready  to  obey 
And  launch  into  eternal  day. 

My  husband,  friends,  J  bid  you  all  adieu, 
I  leave  you  in  God's  care. 
My  son  i'll  never  more  see  you, 
Prepare  to  meet  me  there. 

Lovely  in  life,  l)eloved  in  death, 
A  lingering  summons  call'd  her  breath 
She  is  gone  we  hope  to  glorious  rest, 
In  God  her  Saviour's  image  blest. 

In   Kingston  bnrying-^roimd,   Mam.^  is  a  small 
stone  on  which  is  inscribed  this  couplet: 

If  there  is  a  world  above,  he  is  in  bliss; 
If  there  is  not,  he  made  the  most  of  this. 

Inscription  over  tlie  grave  of  a  little  boy  in  Green- 
wood Cemetery : 

Our  God,  to  call  us  homeward, 

His  only  Son  sent  down ; 

And  now,  still  more  to  tempt  our  hearts 

Has  taken  up  our  own. 

On  a  recumbent  statuette  in  Mount  Auburn  Cem- 
etery is  engraven : 

EMILY. 

Shed  not  for  her  the  bitter  tear. 
Nor  give  the  heart  to  vain  regret ; 
'Tis  but  the  casket  that  lies  here : 
The  gem  that  filled  it  sparkles  yet. 


ADULATORY,  LAUDATORY 


AND   BOMBASTIC   EPITAPHS. 


Adulatory,  Laudatory, 
AND  Bombastic  Epitaphs. 


"  But  this  man?     Ah!  for  him 
Funeral  state,  and  ceremonial  grand, 
The  stone-engraved  sarcophagus,  and  then 
OhMvionr—Mu/ocL 


A  clmrcliyard  in  Windsor,  Conn.,  lias  the  follow- 
ing to  the  memory  of  Ephraim  Huit: 

Here  Lyetji  Ephraim  Huit, 

Sometimes  teacher  to  the  church  of  Windsor 

Who  dyed  September  14,  1644. 

.  Who  when  Hee  lived,  we  drew  our  vital  breath, 
Who  when  Hee  died,  his  dying  was  our  death. 
Who  was  the  stay  of  State,  the  Church's  sUift' — 
Alas!  the  times  forbid  an  epitaph. 

From  a  tombstone  in  Springfeld,  Mass.: 
Here  lyeth  the  jjody  ok  Mari 

..  •  The  WIFE  of  ElIZI^R  HoL YOKE 

WHO  DIED  October  26,  1657. 
She  that  lies  here  was  while  she  stood 
105 


106  ADULATORY 

A  very  glory  of  womanhood ; 

Even  here  was  sown  most  precious  dust, 

Which  surely  shall  rise  with  the  just. 

From  a  tomb  in  TriTiity  Cluirchjard,  Oxford,  Phil- 
adelpMa: 

On  the  ontside: 

Here  lyeth  the  body  of,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  John   Roberts,  who 

departed  this  life.  May,  ye,  6th,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  God,  1708, 

aged  41  years. 

Weep  not  for  me,  for  it  is  in  vain. 

Weep  for  your  sins,  and  then  refrain. 

On  tlie  inside  is  the  following:  . 

Here,  by  these  lines  is  testify 'd 

No  Quaker  was  she,  when  she  dy'd. 

So  far  was  she  from  Quakerism, 

That  she  desired  to  have  baptism 

For  her,  our  babes  and  children  dear. 

To  this,  these  lines  true  witness  bear. 

And  furthermore,  she  did  obtain 

That  faith,  that  all  shall  rise  again 

Out  of  the  graves  at  the  last  day,  '   ' 

And  in  this  faith  she  passed  awav. 

In  the  cemetery  at  MicMletown,  Conn.,  are  two 
tombstones  dated  1807  and  1711,  bearing  the  follow- 
ing inscription: 

A  loving  wife 
'  And  tender  mother 

Left  this  base  world 
T' enjoy  the  other. 

On  a  tombstone,  beneath  a  sknll  with  wings,  may 
be  fonnd  these  lines: 

Here  lieth  the  body 


EPITAPHS. 


107 


of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Azariuh  Matlier 
born  at  Windsor,  Aug.  25,  1689, 
Expired  at  Say  brook  Feb.  11,  1736 
Aged  52  years. 
He  was  a  faithful  minister,  a  general  scholar,  an  eminent  Chris- 
tian, a  very  great  sufferer,  but  now  in  I  leaven  a  triunipher. 
He  many  weeks  telt  Deaths  attack, 
But  fervent  prayer  kept  him  back ; 
His  faith  and  patience 'twab  to  try 
And  learn  us  how  to  live  and  die; 
Having  the  wings  of  faith  and  love. 
And  feathers  of  a  Holy  dove, 
He  bids  thib'  wretched  world  adieu^ 
And  simply  up.  to  Heaven  Hew, 
Disturb  not  then,  this  precious  dust. 
With  censors  that  are  most  mjust. 


From   Windsor,  Conn.: 


lay 


Here  Rests  ye  Last  Reipa- 
ins  of  Mr.  Alexander  McKin- 
.STRY  ye  kind  husband  ten- 
der parent  Dutiful  Son 
Affectionate  Brother  Faith- 
ful Friend  Generous  Master 
compassionate  and  obliging 
Neighbor  ye  vmhappy 
hous  looks  Desolate  & 
Mourns  &  every  Door 
Groans  doalful  as  it  turns 
Ye  Fillers  Languish  and  each 
Silent  Wall  in  Grief  lament 
Ye  Masters  Fall.     Who  departed 
this  life  Novem:  ye  9,  1759 
in  ye  30th  Year  of  his  Age. 


In  Norwich   burying-gromid,  Co7in..c-    a  toml) 


108 


ADULATORY 


Stone  over  the  grave  of  Benjamin  Butler — inscribed 
hy  his  own  direction — is  this  solitary  line: 

Alas,  I'ooR  iii'MAN  nature! 

At  Concord^  Mass.,  is  a  tombstone  erected  to  the 
memory  of  John  Jack,  on  which  is  inscribed: 

God  wills  us  tree ;  man  wills  us  slaves. 

I  will  as  God  wills :  God's  will  be  done. 
Here  lies  the  body  of  John  Jack,  a  native  of  Africa,  who  died, 
March  1773,  aged  about  60  years.  Though  born  in  a  land  of  slavery, 
he  was  born  free;  though  he  lived  in  a  land  of  liberty,  he  lived  a 
slave,  till,  by  his  honest  though  stolen  labors,  he  acquired  the  source 
of  slavery,  which  gave  his  freedom,  though  not  long  before  death, 
the  grand  tyrant,  gave  him  his  final  emancipation,  and  set  him  on  a 
footing  with  kings.  Though  a  slave  to  vice,  he  practiced  those  vir- 
tues, without  which  kings  are  but  slaves. 

The  following  inscription— -evidently  with  an  eye 
to  business — was  placed  by  a  wife  on  the  tombstone 
of  her  dear  departed: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  ot  Jonathan  Thomson, 
A  pious  christian  and  aftectionate  husband. 
His  disconsolate  widow  continues  to  carry  on  the  Tripe  and  Trot- 
ter business  at  the  same  place  as  before  her  bereavement. 

From  a  stone  in  the  cemetery  at  Roxburxj^  Mass.: 


Elizabeth 

Bakiner : 

dead 

26ten 

August 

old 

1848 
Henriette  Bald 

.    3F- 

old 

ner: 

T,  F,  8,  M, 

dead 

3oten 
1848 

Augt 

EPITAPHS.  109 

Weep  not  for  her  the  bitter  tear, 
Nor  give  tliy  heart  to  vain  regret ; 
Tis  but  the  casket  that  lies  here, 
The  gem  that  filled  it  sparkles  yet. 

Froni  Rose  Hill  Cemetery,  Chicago: 

^         Sarah  H.  W 

— aet.  x6,  died  Feby  9— 1862 —  ^ 

Afflictions  sore,  long  time  she  bore  \ 

Physicians  were  in  vain 
Till  God  did  please  to  give  her  ease  / 

And  free  her  from  all  pain. 

Also:  .   -'■'-      ■ 

Daughter  of 

Dow.  B  and  Sally,  T 

Aet.  9  years,  5  mos,  9  days, 
Died  Mar.  26,  1870. 
The  parents  anguish  who  can  tell 
Their  eldest  child  they  loved  so  well. 
With  cheerful  face  and  free  from  guile. 
And  pleasant  ways  that  made  them  smile. 

From  a  stone  in  Calvary  (cemetery,  Chicago: 

In  memory  of  ' 

Michael  S 

Died  Oct.  7,  1871. 

Aged  82  years. 

A  native  ot  Castleton,  County  Cork,  Ireland. 

He  spent  his  last  days  with  his  son  Timothy,  No.  i,  P ,  st.  He 

expired  the  morning  previous  to  the  great  fire  and  his  remains  were 
preserved  from  the  conflagration  by  his  dutiful  son. 


A  tombstone  in  Lyons,  N.  Y.,  has  the  following: 

Last  ray  of  departed  Hope!    Thou  didst  leave  this  world  of  sin 


110 


ADULATORY 


and  sorrow  while  thy  Father  was  far  away  and  thy  sainted  Mother 
in  Heaven.  But  the  Father  of  thy  dear  depa  -ted  Mother  did  see 
that  thy  obsequies  were  properly  performed. 

From  a  burial-ground  in  Montreal^  Canada^  conies 
this  fitting  epitaph  on  Michael  Adams,  a  soldier. 

In  peaceful  quarters  billeted  am  I, 

And  here  forgetful  of  all  past  labors  lye; 

Let  me  alone  while  sleeping  I  remain, 

And  when  the  last  trumpet  sounds  I'll  march  again. 

At  Ahwaga,  on  the  banks  of  the  Susquehanna  may 
be  seen  a  gravestone  with  this  couplet: 

Charles  Lewis. 
He  voted  for  Abraham  Lincoln. 


From  the  village  of  P in   Northern  N.    Y., 


come  the  two  following: 


Here  lies  G S 

son  of  C S and  H S 

Died  May  ist  1852,  aged  2  yrs, 
He  tasted  of  life's  bitter  cup, 
Refused  to  drink  the  potion  up. 
He  turned  his  little  head  aside, 
Disgusted  with  the  taste  and  died. 

Pain  was  my  portion 
Physic  was  my  food 
Groans  was  my  devotion 
Drugs  did  me  not  good, 
Christ  was  my  Physician, 
He  knew  what  way  was  best, — 
To  ease  me  of  my  pain 
He  took  my  soul  to  rest. 


EPITAPHS. 


Ill 


From  a  graveyard  near  Saratoga,,  N.  Y,: 

She  was  a  sifiter  true  and  kind 
While  with  us  she  tould  stay 
God  blest  her  with  a  loving  mind 
And  then  took  her  away. 

On  a  tombstone  in  the  cemetery  at  Washington, 
Conn.,  are  these  lines: 


In  memory  of 


And  in  her  memory  we  think  we  find 
These  accents  uttered  at  this  time. 
Companions,  you  who  once  were  mine, 
Unto  you  I  speak  by  the  hand  of  time. 
Yes!   unto  you  who  once  were  joined 
Unto  me  by  P^riendship's  coin, 
Yea,  unto  you  I  now  do  speak, 
Although  my  eyes  are  closed  in  sleep. 
Here  lies  the  remnants  of  your  friend 
Beneath  this  grassy  mound; 
And  flowers  may  deck  and  howers  may  bloom. 
And  flowers  may  wither  on  this  mound, 
Here  stands  my  Tomb. 

From  Dorchester  graveyard,  Mass.: 

~i66i— 
Here  lyes  our  Captaine,  and  major  of  Suffolk  was  withall, 
A  goodly  magistrate  was  he,  and  major  generall. 
Two  troops  of  hors  with  him  here  came,  such  worth 

his  love  did  crave. 
Ten  companyes  of  foot  also  mourning  marcht 

to  his  grave. 
Let  all  that  read  be  sure  to  keep  the  faith  as 

he  hath  done; 
With  Christ  he  lives  now  crowned. 

His  name  was  Humphry  Atherton. 


i  9 


M 


112 


LAUDATORY 


In  the  old  bnrjiMg-ground  at  New  London ,  Conii.y 
is  a  gravestone  bearing  this  inscription: 

An  epitaph  on  Captain  Richard  Lord,  deceased  May  17,  1662. 
^ii.tatis  sva;  51. 

Bright  starre  of  chivallrie  lyes  here 
to  the  state  a  counsillor  full  deare 
And  to  ve  troth  a  friend  of  sweete  content 
To  Hartford  towne  a  silver  ornament  i 

Who  can  deny  to  poore  he  was  releife  ' 

And  in  composing  paroxyies  he  was  chiefe 
To  Marchantes  as  a  patterne  he  might  stand 
,      Adventuring  dangers  new  by  sea  and  land. 


A  tablet  in  the  graveyard  at  Dorchester,  Mass,, 
says: 

'     Here  lies  interred  je  corpse  of 
Mr.Josiah  Flint, 
Late  pastor  to  ye  church  in 
Dorchester,  aged  35  years,  Dec. 
Sept  ye  15     16     80. 
A  man  of  God  he  was  so  great  so  good  , 

Mis  highest  worth  was  hardly  understood 
So  much  61'  God  and  Christ  in  him  did  dwell  - 
In  grace  and  holiness  he  did  excell. 
An  honor  and  an  ornament  thereby 
Both  to  ye  church  and  to  ye  ministry.  . 
Most  zealous  in  ye  work  of  reformation 
To  save  this  self-destroying  generation. 
With  courage  strove  'gainst  all  this  people's  sin 
His  pen,  his  strength,  his  life,  his  soul  therein. 
Consumed  with  holy  zeal  for  God  for  whome 
He  lived  and  dyed  a  kind  of  mar'tyrdome. 
For  men  will  not  lament,  their  hearts  and  breake, 
No  wonder  his  lamenting  stone  doth  speake. 
His  tombstone  crys  repent  &  souls  to  save 


EPITAPHS. 


iia 


Doth  preach  repentance  from  liis  very  grave. 
'Gainst  sinners  doth  his  lasting  record  lye. 
Psal.  112.66 — Prov.  10.7. 

At  Middletown^  Goim,.^  upon  a  tombstone  dated 
"1601"  is  tlie  following: 

Here  lyes  our  Deaconne  Hall, 
'  Whoe  studyd  peace  with  alle, 

Was  upprighte  inne  hys  lyfe, 
Voide  of  malygnante  stryte: 
Gonne  toe  hys  restte 
<■■  Left  us  inne  sorrowe: 

Doubtlesse  hys  goode  . 

Works  wylle  hym  lollowe. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bailey's  (of  Watertowii,  Mass.)  epi- 
taph to  his  wife: 

Pious  Lydifi  made  and  givfen  by  God,  as  a  niost  meet  help  to 
John  Bailey,  minister  of  the  Gospel : 

Good  Betimes — Best  at  Last, 
';   '"     Lived  by  faith — Died  in  Grace, 

"  Went  oft' Singing — Left  us  Weeping; 
Walk  jd  with  God  'till  translated  in  the  39th  year  of  her  age,  April 
16,  1691. 
Read  her  epitaph  in  Prov.  xxxi.  10-11-12-28-29-30-31. 

At  Qnincy,  Mass.\  1708. 

Braintree,  thy  prophet's  gone;  this  tomb  inters 

The  Rev.  Moses  Fiske  his  sacred  herse. 

Adore  heaven's  praiseful  art,  that  forined  the  man, 

Who  souls,  not  to  himself,  but  Christ  oft  won ; 

Sailed  through  the  straits  with  Peter's  family 

Renowned,  and  Gains'  hospitality, 

Paul's  patience,  James's  prudence,  John's  sweet  love 

Is  landed,  entered,  cleared,  and  crowned  above. 


!«;, 


114 


LAUDATORV 


1: 


IV 


At  Westfield,  JV. «/.,  on  Mrs.  Jennet  Woodruflf  who 
■died  1750, 'est.  43: 

The  dame,  that  rests  within  tliis  tomb 
Had  Rachel's  beauty,  Leali's  fruitful  womb, 
Abigail's  wisdoin,  Lydia's  faithful  heart. 
Martha's  just  care,  and  Mary's  better  part. 

Ill  the  bnrying-gronnd  at  Elizaheth  City^  iV. «/., 
as  the  following  couplet,  to  the  memory  of  Elias 
Boudinot,  who  died  1770,  set.  63: 

This  modest  stone,  what  few  vain  marbles  can. 
May  truly  say.  Here  lies  an  honest  man. 

In  the  burjing-gronnd  at  Fagga  Manor: 

Here  lieth  the  body  of 
'.    The  Rev.  Samuel  Blair 
*  WHO  departed  this  life 

The  FIFTH  DAY  oFjULY  1751 

AGED  thirty-nine  YEARS  AND  TWENTY-ONE  DAYS. 

.    In  yonder  sacred  house  I  spent  my  breath. 
Now  silent  mouldering,  here  I  lie  in  death ; 
These  lips  shall  wake  and  yet  declare 
A  dread  Amen  to  truths  they  publish  there. 

Monumental  inscription  from  ir(9*'M«mj9^on,Jfa55.; 

Here  lies  the  Rev.  John  Hooker,  who  died  of  the  small-pox,  6th 
February  1777  in  the  forty-ninth  year  of  his  age. 

In  him  an  excellent  and  cultivated  genius,  engaging  manners,  and 
the  temper  of  the  Gospel,  combined  to  form  an  able  and  faithful 
)minister,  and  to  render  him  exemplary  and  beloved  in  all  the  rela- 
tions of  life. 

The  affectionate  people  of  his  charge,  in  remembrance  of  his  many 
.amiable  and  Christian  virtues,  erected  this  monument  to  his 
imemory. 


fi 


K  PIT  AIM  IS. 


115 


A  tablet  in  -iS'^.  PauVs,  New  Vork,  bears  tliis  in- 
scription to  the  memory  of  Elizal)eth  Franklin: 

Beneath  the  altar  of  this  church  are  deposited  the  reiuaiiis  of 
Elizabeth  Franklin  wife  of  His  Excellency  William  Franklin,  Esq.» 
late  Govorner,  under  his  Brittanic  Majesty,  of  the  Province  of  New 
Jersey. 

Compelled  by  the  adverse  circumstances  of  the  times  to  part  from 
the  husband  she  loved,  and  at  length  deprived  of  the  soothing  hope 
of  a  speedy  return,  she  sank  under  accumulated  distress,  and  depart- 
ed this  life  on  28  July,  1778,  in  the  49th  year  of  her  age.  Sincerity 
and  sensibility,  politeness  and  affability,  goodness  and  charity,  were 
with  sense-refined  and  person -elegant  in  her  united. 

From  a  grateful  remembrance  of  her  affectionate  tenderness,  and 
constant  performance  of  all  the  duties  of  a  good  wife,  this  monu- 
ment is  erected  in  the  year  1787,  by  one  who  knew  her  worth  and 
still  laments  her  loss.  ' 


In  the  bnrj'ing-ground  at  Kewburyport^  may  be 
seen  a  stone  inscribed: 

Omnem  crede  dicum  tibi  diluxesse  supremum. 
Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Mary  M'Hard,  the  virtuous  and 
amiable  consort  of  Capt.  Wm.  M'Hard  of  ^Newburyport,  who 
amidst  the  laudable  exertions  of  a  very  useful  and  desirable  life,  in 
which  her  Christian  Profession  was  well  adorned  and  a  fair  copy 
of  every  social  virtue  displayed,  was  in  a  state  of  health  suddenly 
summoned  to  the  Skies  and  snatched  from  ye  eager  embraces  of 
her  friends,  (and  the  throbbing  breasts  of  her  disconsolate  family 
confessed  their  fairest  prospects  of  sublinary  bliss  were  in  one  moment 
dashed)  by  swallowing  a  Pea  at  her  own  table,  whence  in  1  few 
hours,  she  sweetly  breathed  her  soul  away  unto  her  SAVIOUR'S 
arms  on  the  Sth  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1 780. 

^Etatis  47. 

On  a  pair  of  slabs,  laid  side  by  side  on  flat  founda 


116 


LAUDATORY 


tions  of  masonry  in  St.  Paul's  cemetery,  ^ew  York, 


i 


is  inscribed  the  following: 

This  tomb  is  t  octed  to  the 
memory  of  Major  John  Liicus  of 
the  (icorgia  Line  of  the  army 
of  the  RevoUjtion,  who  died  in 
this  city,  August  i8th,  1789, 
aged  38. 


And  this  Tomb  contains  the 
remains  of  Major  Job  Sumner  of 
the  Massachusetts  Line  of  the 
same  Army,  wiio  died  in  this 
city,    September  16,  1789,  aged 

33- 


Alike  in  arms  they  ranged  tlie  glorious  field, 
Alike  in  turn  to  death  the  conquerors  yield. 

A  JV^ewpot't,  li.  I.,  tomhBioue  ^iiys: 

The  Human  Form  resjK'cted  for  its  honesty  and  known  for  fifty- 
three  years  by  the  appellation  of  Ciiristophkr  Ellery,  began  to 
dissolve  in  the  month  of  February,  1789. 

If  tears,  alas,  could  spean  a  husband's  woe 

My  verse  should  straight  in  plaintive  numbers  flow; 

But  since  thy  well-known  piety  demands 

A  public  monument  at  thy  George's  hands, 

0  Abigail !  I  dedicate  this  tomb  to  thee. 

Thou  dearest  half  of  poor  forsaken  me. 

"  (yoesar  the  Ethiopian"  sleeps  his  last  sleep  at 
Attlehorough,  JIasf<.,  in  a  rnral  and  elm-sliaded  cem- 
etery, not  far  from  the  "  old  Hatch  tavern"  on  the 
Old  lioad  between  Boston  and  Providence: 

•         ,  Here  lies  the  best  of  slaves 

•      Now  turning  into  dust, 

Caesar,  the  Ethiopian,  craves 
A  place  among  the  Just.  /• 

His  faithful  soul  is  fled  ■-[ 

.  To  realms  of  heavenly  light 
And  by  the  blood  that  Jesus  shed 
Is  changed  from  Black  to  White. 


I 


KIMTAPIIS. 


117 


1'^ 


Jan'y  15th  he  quitted  the  stage 
In  the  77th  vear  of  his  age. 
'  —1781— 

k 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  John  Holt,  printer^  who 

died  Jar  1784,  aet.  04: 

A  duet*  J  the  memory  ol'  John  Holt,  printer  to  this  state 

(N.  Y.),  a  native  of  Virginia,  who  patiently  obeyed  Death's  awful 
summons,  on  ihe  thirtieth  of  January  1784,  in  the  sixty-fourth  year 
of  his  age. 

To  say  that  his  family  lament  him  is  needless;  that  his  frieids 
bewail  hiin,  useless;  that  all  regret  him,  unnecessary;  for  llii't  he 
merited  every  esteem  is  certain.  The  tongue  of  slander  can  not  say 
less,  though  justice  might  say  more.  In  token  of  sincere  affection 
his  disconsolate  widow  hath  caused  this  memorial  to  be  erected. 


At  Roxhury^  Conn.: 

In  memory  of 
Col.  Setii  Warnku,  Es(.j., 
Who  departed  this  life  December  j6th,  A.  D.  17S4. 
In  the  forty-second  year  of  his  age. 
Triumphant  leader  at  our  armies'  head, 
Whose  martial  glory  struck  a  panic  dread. 
Thy  warlike  deeds  engraven  on  this  stone, 
Tell  future  ages  what  a  hero's  done. 
Full  sixteen  battles  he  did  fight 
For  to  procure  his  country's  right. 
Oh!  this  brave  hero,  he  did  fall 
By  death,  who  evci  conquers  all. 
When  this  you  see  remember  me. 

The  Presbyterian  bnrying-ground  at  Portsmotith, 
Va.,  has  a  marble  shib  with  the  following  inscription: 

In  memory  of 
/  The  Rev.  John  Rankin, 


m 


lis  BOMBASTIC 

who  departed  this  life,  March  2d  1798 

Aged  48  years ; 

A  burning  and  shining  light  in  this  part  of  Christ's 

Vineyard,  20  years. 

In  mental  improvement,  excelled  by  few ; 

As  a  divin: ,  well  instructed 

In  the  mysteries  of  Christ's  kingdom  ; 

Taught  by  his  master  to  give  each  their  meat 

In  due  season; 

In  private  and  public  life  beloved  by  all 

Who  knew  him. 

A  faithful  diligent  pastor; 

A  tender  husband;  an  indulgent  parent; 

Lovely  and  pleasant  in  his  life. 

Servant  of  Jesus,  here  repose  in  peace; 

Thy  cause  is  finished;  won  the  heavenly. prize; 

Henceforth  a  glorious  crown  of  righteousness 

And  endless  bliss  await  thee  in  the  skies. 

At  jVewtoii,Mass.,    n  Captain  Tlios.  Prentice,  who 
died  in  1700: 

He  that's  here  interred  needs  no  versifying; 
A  virtuous  life  will  keep  the  name  from  dj'ing; 
He'll  live  though  poets  cease  their  sciibbling  rhyme, 
When  that  this  stone  shall  moulder'd  be  by  time. 

l>yroii's  inscription  on  tlie  monument  of  his  dog: 

Near  this  spot 

are  deposited  the  remains  of  one 

who  possessed  beauty  without  vanity, 

Strength  without  insolence, 

Courage  without  ferocity. 

And  all  the  virtues  of  man  without  his  vices. 

This  praise  which  would  be  unmeaning  flattery 

If  inscribed  over  human  ashes, 


;»MTAPHS. 


IIQ* 


Is  but  a  just  tribute  to  the  memory  of 

Boatswain,  a  dog, 

Who  was  born  at  Newfoundland,  Mav,  1803, 

And  died  at  Newstead  Abbey  Nov.  18,  1808. 

From  Charleston  bnrying-ground,  Mass.; 

Rhoda  Coe  Bakor 
died  in  Charlestown  July  nth  1S03, 
In  the  6th  year  of  her  age. 
Daughter  of  Mr.  Elisha  and  Mrs.  Rhoda  Baker. 
This  lovely  youth  she  loved  the  truth 
Tho'  young  as  you  may  see 
Her  whole  delight  was  day  and  night 
With  Christians  ibr  to  bee. 

Now  shes  in  rest  among  the  just 
T'lere  ever  for  to  be 
With  her  lovely  voice  foj-  to  rejoice 
To  all  Eternity. 

A  Stone  in  Sutton,  Vt.,  has  this  stanza: 

Father  thou  hast  gone  and  left  us 
A  sad  and  lonely  band, 
God  has  called  thee  o'er  the  river, 
Up  to  dwell  with  him  forever. 

In  the  burying-gronnd  at  Sallshtinj,  Conn.,  is  a 
tablet  erected  to  the  memory  of  Samuel  Moore,  with 
the  followiirg  inscription: 

The  man  is  gone ! 

Mr.  Samuel  Moore,  the  eminent  mathematician,  died  Feb.  20th 

1810,  M  75.     His  Life  and  Services!!!  these  the  monument,  this 

marble  but  the  Tablet.     Say  then,    lie  lived  to  benefit   mankind. 

Swayed   not   by  trifles,    But  by  Science  led,    As  Land-Surveyor. 


i«  s  .imiisii 


! 


120 


BOMBASTIC 


So  like  in  all  things,   Like  correct,   This  is  the  best  image  of  the 

man. 

Our  Fiithers  rest  from  their  toils. 


Beneath  this  stone  are  deposited  the  remains  of  Sarah  Vanderpool, 
who  depai'ed  this  life,  May  5th  1SJ5,  aged  86  years. 

She  was  an  exemplary  wife,  a  devoted  mother,  a  kind  friend — and 
her  generosity  spurned  the  tardiness  of  calculation — had  her  ability 
been  commensurate  with  her  heart,  she  would  have  banished 
suffering  from  the  world.  Such  virtue  was  not  unrewarded,  for  as 
she  lived,  she  died — a  Christian. 

T'he  memory  of  the  dead  is  in  the  hearts  of  the  living. 

Inscribed  on  a  monument  in  the  cemetery  at  Piqua^ 
Miami  County^  Ohio,  is  the  following  historical  epi- 
taph: 

^neath  this  stone  repose  the  mortal  remains  of  Lewis  Boyer, 
a  oidier  of  the  American  Revolution,  the  follower  and  defender  of 
the  great  Washington  in  many  a  well-fought  field.  He  served  in 
the  Life-Guard  of  the  Commander-in-Chief  throughout  the  war  for 
Independence,  and  was  honorably  discharged  Dec.  19,  1783  by 
special  certificate  subscribed  in  the  proper  handwriting  of  George 


Washington. 


Died  Sept.  19,  1S43,  aged  87  years. 
Here  Boyer  lies,  who  Britains  arms  withstood, 
Not  for  himself,  but  for  his  country's  good ; 
Tho'  victor  oft  in  famed  Columbia's  fields, 
To  death's  repose  the  aged  warrior  y  iclds. 

From  a  cemetery  near  Boston^  Mass.: 

Epitaphium 

Johannes  Cottonne 

Cujus  ultima  Laus  est. 

Quod  fuerit  inter  nov-Anglos  Primus. 

[Translation. — John  Cotton,  whose  highest  praise 
is  that  he  was  the  first  man  in  New  England.] 


p:pitaph8. 


121 


Epitaph  inscribed  on  the  tomb  of  Dr.  Richmond, 
oi  Stonington,  Vt: 

When  Rhode  Island,  Bj  her  Legislation, 
From  1843  to  1850 
Repudiated  Her  Revolutionary  Debt 
Dr.  Richmond, 
Removed  from  that  state  to  this  borough,  and 
selected  this  as  his  family  Burial-place;    ,    ■ 
Unwilling  that  the  remains  of  him- 
self and  family  should  be  dis- 
graced by  forming  part  of  a        ^ 
Repudiating   State. 

In  Calvary  Cemetery,  Chwago: 

Dedicated  by 
Cornelius  O'C 


To  the  memory  of 
His  beloved  Father 

John  O'C 

A  native  of  Rivers  Town,  Glanmire. 
His  mortal  Remains  lie  here  in  the  land  of  his  adoption,  yet  while 
his  heart  beat,  it  was  with  the  liveliest  emotion  for  that  beautiful 
spot  where  he  breathed,  and  where  in  liis  youth  he  gambled  on  its 
verdant  Lawns,  and  inhaled  the  wholesome  air  that  was  waftt  j  from 
the  Banks  of  the  Lee. 

Died  J  any  3 1  st  1 85  2 
Aged  64  years. 

In  Rose  Hill  Cemetery,  Chwago,  is  this  epitaph  on 
a  yomig  lady,  who  died  Sept.  '24th,  1860,  aet.  17 
years  and  6  months. 

She  was  a  pleasant  Angel  here 
Before  wings  had  been  given 


1:,; 

i-, 

f 

.; 

f. 

i 

f' 

1 

li 

It''' 

m 

122 


BOMBASTIC 


i 


Also: 


To  bear  her  to  that  blissful  sphere 
Beyond  the  silver  clouds  so  near 
Her  native  heaven. 


Robert  N- 


who  died  Feby  17-1862 
Aged  35  years. 

He's  gone!  lie's  gone!  the  cherished  one, 
His  toils  are  o'er,  the  victory  won, 
Just  in  the  morning  of  his  day 
When  hopes  were  bright,  he  passed  away. 

From  a  stone  in  Gracelaiid  Cemetery,  Chicago: 

In  memory  of 
Oswald  E.  B 


of  T s  battery. 

Died  on  the  field  of  honor 

at  Fort  Donelson, 

Feby  28th   1862 

Aged  2 1  years. 

"  I  die  for  liberty  !    Boys  go 

back  and  man  the  gun." 

A  tombstone  in   Texas  bears  this  singular  inscrip- 
tion: 

He  re-  lained  to  the  last  a  decided  friend  and  supporter  of  Demo- 
cratic principles  and  measures. 

Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord. 

From  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  comes  a  similar  strain: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  David  Jones. 
His  last  words  v.-ere  "  I  die  a  Christian  and  a  Democrat." 


IK 


Ills  -i 


EPITAPHS. 


123 


irip- 


At  Middlehorough,  Jiass.,  is  a  headstone  on  which 
is  inscribed  this  original  ei^itaph: 

Here  lie  the  bones  of  a  poor  dog 
Renowned  for  faith  and  bravery ;  ■        ' 

■    He  died  by  hostile  hands  incog. 
His  name  was  Pompey  Save  /. 

Epitaph  found  inscribed  on  a  board  erected  over 
an  artilleryman's  grave  by  a  comrade,  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain^  Georgia: 

Here  lies,  beneath  the  mouldering  sod, 
Tom  Bolles,  gunner  of  section  2, 
On  June  i6th  went  to  see  his  God, 
Although  he  didn't  want  to. 
A  solid  shot  took  off"  his  head 
And  he  quickly  bled  to  death. 
A  bullier  boy  ne'er  trained  a  gun 
Or  raised  the  devil  with  Johnny  Reb. 

The   following   may    be  seen    in    a  graveyard    at 
Blackvillej  South  Carolina: 

Here  lies  Ned, 
Sarvint  ov  Massa  Guy, 
Who  went  to  heven 
Soon  as  he  ciy, 
De  lord  tuk  him  in 
Cos  he  bed  no  sin. 
Or  Massa  Guy  edar. 


I 


In  Lafayette^  Ind.: 

Here  lies  the  mortal  remains  of  Dr.  Nathan  Jackson, 
No  more  will  proud  ambition  swell  the  tumult  in  his  breast. 
On  earth  he  did  his  duty  well,  and  laid  him  down  to  rest. 


!■  '-r 


i 


124  BOMBASTIC 

On  an  ancient  tombstone  in  Middletown^  Conn.: 

Beautiful  flower  of  Middletown, 
How  art  thou  cutted  down!  cutted  down! 

From  a  tombstone  in  a  cemetery  near  Sih  er  Ldke^ 
N.  T.: 

Elizabeth  McFadden, 

Wife  of  David  P.  Reid, 

Died  Feb.  28,  1859 

in  her  47th  year. 

She  never  done  a  thing  to 

displeas  her  Husband. 

In   Sleepy   Hollow   clinrchyard,  near  Tan^ytoion, 
JSr.  Y.: 

In  meinory  of 
John  Dean. 
He  was  born  September  15th  A.  D.  1755,  and  died  April  4th  1817 
aged  61  years,  6  months,  and  20  days. 

A  tender  father,  a  friend  sincere, 
A  tender  husband  slumbers  here ; 
So  let  us  hope  his  soul  is  given 
A  blest  and  sure  reward  in  heaven. 

Epitaph  on  a  deacon.     Copied  from  a  tombstone  at 
Lyrme^  Conn.: 

This  Deacon,  aged  68, 
Is  freed  on  earth  from  sarving ; 
May  he  for  a  crown  no  longer  wait : 
Lyme's  Captain,  Ricynold  Marvin. 

From  Christ  clinrchyard,  Philadeljjhia: 

In  memory  of 


EPITAPHS. 


125 


Margaret  Crouch,  wife  of  William  Crouch,  departed  this  Hfe  in 
the  70th  year  of  her  age. 

Quite  tired  and  weary  of  this  life 

Here  lies  a  good  industrious  wife 

Who  all  her  life  would  still  drudging  be 

And  now  we  hope,  the  greater  joys  shall  see. 

Near  the  lighthouse  at  Holmes  Hole.     On  three 
fishermen  struck  by  liglitning: 

Here  lie  three  friends  who  in  their  lives 
Were  never  known  to  wrangle; 

Holmes  Hole 

Cedar  Pole 
Crinkle,  crinkle,  crankle. 


la 


Andrew  Jackson's  epitaph  on  his  wife: 

Here  lie  the  remains  of  Mrs.  Rachel  Jackson,  wife  of  Presi- 
dent Jackson,  who  died  December  22nd  1828,  aged  61. 

Her  face  was  fair,  her  person  pleasing,  her  temper  amiable,  and 
her  heart  kind.  She  delighted  in  relieving  the  wants  of  her  fellow- 
creatures,  and  cultivated  that  divine  pleasure  by  the  most  liberal 
and  unpretending  methods.  To  the  poor  she  was  a  benefactress ;  to 
the  rich  she  was  an  example ;  to  the  wretched  a  comforter ;  to  the 
prosperous  an  ornament.  Her  pity  went  hand  in  hand  with  her 
benevolence ;  and  she  thanked  her  Creator  for  being  permitted  to 
do  good.  A  being  so  gentle  and  yet  so  virtuous,  slander  might 
wound  yet  could  not  dishonor.  Even  death,  when  he  tore  her 
from  the  arms  of  her  husband,  could  but  transplant  her  to  the  bosom 
of  her  God.  . 


On  an  ancient  deacon: 


In  memory  of 

Deacon  John  Cutter 

Who  died  Jan.  21,  1776,  yEt.  S6. 

And  37th  Year  of  his  office. 


I 


ir 


n 


I: 


126  BOMBASTIC 

An  hones f  man,  Tc  noblest  work  of  God., 
His  surviving  children  8, 
,  Grandchildren  68, 

Great  Grandchildren  115, 
.  of  the  Fifth  generation  3. 

At  Litchfield^  Conn.,  may  be  seen  the  following 
inscription  on  an  old  tombstone: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Mrs.  Mary,  wife  of  Dr.  J<min  Buel,  Esq. 
She  died  Nov.  4,  i'j']% yEtat  90,  having  had  13  children,  loi  grand- 
children, 274 great-grandchildren,  22  great-great-grandchildren;  total 
410;  surviving,  336. 

From  a  churchyard  in  Butler  County,  Ohio: 

Here  lies  the  woman,  the  first  save  one 
That  settled  on  the  Miami,  above  Fort  Hamilton ; 
Her  table  was  spread,  and  that  of  the  best. 
And  Anthony  Wayne  was  often  her  guest. 

Epitaph,  at  Woodstocl\  Conn.,  on  John  Martin, 
written  by  himself: 

Beneath  this  spot  repose  the  remains  of  John  Martin,  Esq.,  who 
died  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  Sept.  i,  1833,  in  the  71st  year  of  his  age. 
An  honest  man  is  the  noblest  work  of  God, 
Wherever  laid  beneath  the  clod ; 
One  who  never  falsifies  his  word  ' 

Deserves  the  plume  of  'any  Bird.' 

The  following  comes  from  Wew  York  State: 

In  memory  of  ' 

Elizabeth  J.  Simmons 
wife  of 
J.  E.  Mount 
Born  October  26,  18 1 8 


f^ 


EPITAPHS. 


197 


Died  October  26,  1852. 
•  Also  their  daughter, 

Marietta  Clara 
Died  March  28,  1853.  / 

Death  chiimed  the  lovely  flower, 
Nor  spared  the  tender  bud. 
Tombstone  of  Italy!  thou  hast  engraven  upon  thy  sculptured 
marble  the  name  and  age  of  her  whose  immaculate  spirit,  exalted 
Virtues,  and  noble  soul  were  the  joy  of  him  whose  heart  is  left  deso- 
late. Cherub  of  beauty — sweet  flower  of  innocence — last  rosy  ray 
of  hope  of  thy  heart-stricken  father!  thou  didst  take  thy  flight  with 
all  thy  loveliness  whilst  thy  blessed  mother  was  in  Heaven,  thy 
father  far  from  thee;  but  the  kind  father  of  thy  dear  departed 
mother,  did,  witb  an  agonizing  heart,  see  that  thy  obsequies  were 
properly  perlbrnicd. 

From  a  tombstone  in  JVew  Jersey  wo  have: 

Mr.  John  Lawrence  who  Nov.  6th  first  drew  his  breath,  and  Oct. 
16th,  1776,  yielded  to  death. 

From  Loridon  truly  fa.Tied  came  I ; 
Was  born  in  Stains  a  place  near  by  ; 
In  Rahw^iy  at  old  age  did  die ; 
And  here  intombed  in  earth  must  lie, 
Till  Chri'-*  ye  dead  calls  from  on  high. 

At  York,  Maine.     On  Joseph  Moody  an  eccentric 
minister: 

Although  this  stone  may  moulder  into  dust 
Yet  Joseph  Moody's  name  continue  must. 

At  Westchester  County,  Ne'w  York.     On  an  Amer- 
ican loyalist,  written  bj  himselt*: 

Sacred 
To  the  memor\-  ot 


.Ifll^fhr 


128 


BOMBASTIC!    KP1TAPI18. 


The  Reverend  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.  D. 

who  for  thirty-one  years,  was  the 

diligent  and  faithful  minister 

of  this  parish, 

placed  here,  as  he  helieved,  by  his  Redeetner. 

He  remained  satisfied  with  the 

pittance  allowed  him  rejoicing  that  even  in  that 

he  was  no  burden  to  his 

parishioners; 

Nor  ever  wished  nor  ever  went  forth 

to  seek  a  better  living. 


5f 


t^ 


Profession Ai.  Epitaphs. 


"  They  are  gone — all  gone : 

They  rest  with  glory  and  the  undying  Powers; 
Only  their  names  and  fame,  and  what  they  said,  arc  ours!" 

— Ste<hii<tn. 


In  the  churchyard  at  Plynwuth,  Masa: 

Here  lyeth  huried  the  hody  of  that  j^recious  servant  of  God,  Mr. 
Thomas  Cusiiman,  who,  after  he  had  served  his  generation  accord- 
ing to  the  will  of  God,  and  particularly  the  church  of  Plymouth,  for 
many  years,  in  the  othce  of  a  ruling  elder,  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  lo 
Dec.  1691,  and  in  the  84  year  of  his  age. 

(He  was  son  of  Rohert  Cushnian,-  w  ho  preached  the  first  sermon 
in  New  England.) 

At  Gay-IIedd.,  Martha^ s  Vineyard: 

Yeuuh  wohhok  sipsin  SiL  Pail  nohtobeyontok,  aged  40  years, 
nuppooptah,  24  August  1737. 

[Tkanslation. — Here  lies  the  body  of  Silas  Paul, 

an  ordained  preaclier,  wlio  died  2i  August,  1737,  aged 

40  years.]  '  , 

131  ;    . 


1 

saii:ii3 

w    fl 


K  4' 


|tv;; 

i 


I 


132  ,    ,.  IMtOFESSIONAL 

From  Orange,  JV.  Y.:      "'       -      ' 

This  stone  was  erected,  as  a  monumental  token  ot  love  and  grati- 
tude to  our  late  pastor,  rev.  Calkb  Smith,  who  died  22  October 
1762,  in  the  39  years  of  his  age, 

Beneath  this  tomb  the  precious  relicks  lie 

Of  one  too  great  to  live,  but  not  to  die. 

Indu'd  by  nature,  with  superior  parts. 

To  swim  in  science  and  to  scan  the  arts, 

1        ar  aloft,  inflamed  with  sacred  love. 

To  know,  admire,  and  serve  the  God  above; 

Gifted  to  sound  the  thundering  law's  alarms, 

The  smiles  of  virtue  and  the  gospel's  charms ; 

A  faithful  watchman,  studious  to  discharge 

Tir  important  duties  of  his  charge ; 

To  say  the  whole,  and  sound  the  highest  faine. 

He  lived  a  christian,  and  he  died  the  same. 

A  man  so  useful  from  his  people  rent. 

His  babes,  the  college,  and  the  church,  lament. 

In  Mount  Olivet  Cemetery,  Baltimore,  is  a  Scotch 
granite  monument  hearing  upon  one  si(ie  the  inscrip- 
tion : 

New  England  Methodists  erect  this  tril)ute  to  the  meinory  of  the 
Rev.Jessk  Lkf:,  onthe  eighty-sixth  anniversary  of  his  first  sermon 
in  Boston,  preached  under  the  old  elm,  on  the  Common,  July  11, 
1790. 

From  a  Presbyterian  cliurchyard,  JVew  York: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  the  reverend  John  Matlock,  D.  D.,  a 
native  and  citizen  of  London,  who  after  gathering  three  independ- 
ent congregational  churches  in  England,  and  one  in  America, 
whereunto  he  came  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel,  fell  asleep  in 
the  Lord  Jesus,  the  28  of  October,  1787,  aged  57  years. 
Beloved  of  God,  he  lov'd  that  name 


EriTAPUS. 


133 


On  Britain's  isle  long  did  proclaim  ' 

That  Christ  is  God,  the  sinner's  friend;      v 
\,  He  holdly  preached  to  his  end. 

His  life  in  tribulation's  road  he  trod, 

But  now  he  reigns  with  Christ,  his  Gotl.  ' 

From  Hampton  burjiiig-^rou!i(l,iV^?^)  Hainjyshire: 

In  memory  of  the  reverend  Ebexezer  Thayer,  who  for  nearly 
twenty -six  years  dispensed  the  bread  of  life  to  the  society  in  this 
place;  and,  on  the  6th  of  September  1792,  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  sup- 
ported by  the  Christian  hope  of  a  resurrection  to  eternal  life,  jxet,  58. 
While  o'er  this  modest  stone  religion  weeps, 
Beneath,  a  humble,  cheerful  christian  sleeps. 
Sober,  learn 'd,  prudent,  free  from  care  and  strife. 
He  filled  the  useful  offices  of  life. 
Admired,  endear'd,  as  husband,  father,  friend, 
Peace  blessed  his  days,  and  innocence  his  end. 
Blameless  throughout,  his  worth  by  all  approv'd. 
True  to  his  charge  and  by  his  people  lov'd, 
He  lived  to  make  his  hearers  faith  abound. 
And  died  that  liis  own  virtues  might  be  crowned. 

From  Philadelphia,  Pa.: 

Dieser  stein,  decket  die  asche  des  weiland  hoch  ehr  wurdigen 
doctor's  und  prediger's  Herrn  Casper  Dieterich  Weiburg's,  er  erb- 
lickte  das  licht  dieser  welt,  im  jahr,  1733,  den  21  ten.  October;  start 
voh  vielen  edeldenckenden  betaurt,  den  21  ten.  August,  1790.  In 
einem  alter  von  56  jahren  und  10  monaten — dieute  mit  seegen  be- 
kron't  der  hiesigen  Hochdeutschen  reformirten  gemeinde,  2>5  jahrem 
Acht  tage  nach  seinem  absterben  folgtc  seine  jungfer  tochter 
Salome.  In  einem  alter  von  19  jahren  ihm  zur  mvigkeit  die  liier 
zu  seiner  seite  ruh't. 

So  ruh'st  du,  Gottes  mann,  wen  selbst  im  staub'  auch  hier, 
Wo  sechs  und  zwanzig  jahr, du  oft  die  traue  still  test; 
Und  diese  thraue,  acn!    verdoppelt  flieszat  sie  dir, 
Uer  du  sonst  unser  hertz,  mit  Gottes  trost  orful"  test. 


134 


PKOFK88IONAL 


Sie  fallt  durch  schmertz  erprest,  auf  deinen  leichenstein    . 
Und  jeder  sagt  er  ist  es  werth,  dasz  man  ihm  weim. 
Sich  wanderer  diese  gruft  niit  stiller  ehrfurcht  an 
I  Her  ruh't  ein  wahrer  Christ,  und  Gott's  gelehrter  mann, 
Ein  edler  menschenfreund  der  sich  den  ruhm  erworben, 
Das  er  im  Herr'n  geleb't  und  in  dem  Herr'n  gestorben. 

[Translation. — This  stone  covers  tlie  ashes  of  the 
late  Rev.  Dr.  and  j)reacher,CasperDieterich  Weiber^s. 
He  saw  tlie  light  of  this  world,  21  October,  1733, 
died  lamented  by  many  noble-minded  characters,  21 
August,  1790  at  the  age  of  56  years  and  10  months; 
served,  crowned  with  divine  blessings,  the  German 
reformed  congregation  in  this  place,  26  years.  Eight 
days  after  his  departure,  followed  him  into  eternity, 
his  virgin  daughter  Salome.  Her  remains  are  here 
resting  at  his  side. 

Thou  art  now  thyself,  man  of  Grod,  resting  here  in 
dust,  where  for  six  and  twenty  years  thou  hast  dried 
away  our  tears.  These  tears,  alas!  now  doubled  flow 
for  thee,  who  wast  wont  to  comfort  us.  On  thy 
gravestone  they  painfully  f  ow,  the  tribute  of,  and 
connected  with,  confessions  of  thy  worth. 

Traveller!  Look  on  this  grave  with  silent  reverence; 
here  rests  a  Christian  indeed,  a  man  learned  in  things 
of  God,  a  noble  philanthropist,  one  who  is  believed  to 
have  both  lived  and  died  in  the  Lord.J 

At  St.  James'  Church,  New  London^  Conn.: 

Sacred  may  this  marble  long  remain,  the  just  tribute  of  affection, 
to  the  memory  of  the  truly  venerable  and  beloved  pastor  of  this 
church,  the  ilght  rev.  Samuel  Seabury, D.  D.  bishop Qf  Connecti- 


EPITAPHS. 


185 


cut  and  Rhode  Island,  who  was  translated  from  earth  to  heaven,  25 
Feb.  1796  in  the  68  year  of  his  age,  and  the  12  of  his  consecration, 
but  still  lives  in  the  hearts  of  a  grateful  diocess. 


m 


At  Bristol,  R.  I.: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  rev.  John  Usher,  late  rector  of  this 
church,  who  departed  this  life,  5  July,  1804,  in  hope  and  full  assur- 
ance of  the  resurrection  to  a  better,  aged  84  years;  a  kind  and  ten- 
der parent,  an  ardent,  active,  faithful  friend,  a  just  and  generous 
man,  and  sincere  Christian.  .  ■ 

An  angel's  arm  • 

Can't  snatch  me  from  this  tomb 
Nor  can  a  host  of  angels  keep  me  here. 


ISl!  ri* 

ill. 


ifli 


At  Montville,  Conn. : 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  the  re\'.  David  Jewett,  A.  M.  ordained 
pastor  of  the  second  church  in  New  London,  October,  A.  D.  i739- 
He  rested  from  his  labors,  6  June,  A.  D.  1783,  JEt  69. 

Dost  thou  mourn  Philander's  fate? 

I  know  thou  says't  it;  says  thy  life  the  same.? 

He  mourns  the  dead,  wlio  lives,  as  they  desired. 

A  christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man. 

From  Fredricksburg,  Va.: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Edward  Helder,  practitioner  in  physic 
and  chirurgery.  Born  in  Bedfordshire,  EngLand,  io  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1542.  Was  contemporary  with,  and  one  of  the  pall-bearers 
to  the  body  of  William  Shakespeare.  After  a  brief  illness  his  spirit 
ascended  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1618,  ciged  seventy-six. 


:tion, 

this 

necti- 


At  Cheshire,  Conn.: 

Here  lies  ye  Body  of  Doct.  Isaac  Bartholomew,  he  died  Aug- 
ust ye  25,  1710,  in  ye  XI  year  of  his  age. 

he  that  was  sweet  to  my  Repose 


136  _  PROFESSIONAL     . 

Now  is  become  a  Stink  under  my  Nose 
this  is  said  of  me  .  . 

.        So  it  will  be  said  of  thee. 

At  Roxbui'y^  Mass.: 

Sub  spe  immortali  ye  herse  of  mr.  Benjamin  Thomson,  learned 
school-master  and  physician,  and  ye  renowned  poet  of  New  Eng- 
land, obiit  Aprilis  13  anno  Domini  1714,  et  atatis  sua;  74,  mortuus 
sed  immortalis. 

He  that  would  try 
What  is  true  happiness  indeed,  , 

Must  die. 

At  Broohline,  Mass. : 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  doctor  Zabdiel  Boylston,  esq.  physi- 
cian and  F.  R.  S.  who^first  introduced  the  practice  of  Inoculation  into 
America.  Through  a  life  of  extreme  beneficence,  he  was  always 
faithful  to  his  word,  just  in  his  dealings,  affable  in  his  manners;  and 
after  a  long  sickness,  in  which  he  was  exemplary  for  his  patience 
and  resignation  to  his  Maker,  he  quitted  this  mortal  life,  in  a  just 
expectation  of  a  happy  immortality,  on  tlie  first  day  of  March, 
A.  D.  1766,  a;tatis87. 

From  a  clouded  marble  slab  at  Perth  Amhoy,  New 
Jersey: 

In  memory  of  the  reverend  Robert  M'Kean,  M.  A.  practitioner 
in  physick,  etc.,  and  missionary  from  the  society  for  propagating 
the  gospel  in  foreign  parts  to  the  city  of  Perth  Amboy,  who  was 
born  13  July  1732,  N.  S.  and  died  17  October,  1767. 

An  unshaken  friend,  an  agreeable  companion,  a  rational  divine,  a 
skilful  physici£  n,  and,  in  every  relation  in  life,  a  truly  benevolwit 
and  honest  man.  •  .' 

Fraternal  love  hath  erected  this  monument.     ' 


EPITAPHS. 


137 


From  Philadelphia^  Pa.: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Hugh  Hodge.  M.  D.  who  died,  i.sjulj 
1793,  in  the  43  year  of  his  age.  In  the  midst  of  life  and  usefulness 
distinguished  by  qualities  most  estimable  in  the  human  character, 
integrity,  intelligence,  benevolence,  and  industry;  connected  with 
the  world  by  tenderest  domestick  ties  and  social  bonds ;  for  as  hus. 
band,  father,  brother,  friend,  and  citizen  none  excelled  him ;  possess- 
ing medical  skill,  to  which  those  who  trusted  thought  their  hold  on 
life  was  strengthened;  he  fell  before  the  stroke  ol  death,  teaching 
the  reader  the  emphatick  vanity  of  human  life,  urging  them  always  to 
be  looking  to  eternity,  always  to  be  prepared  to  die. 

From  Alexandria^  D.  C: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Robert  Crighton  esq.  M.  D.  a  native 
of  Scotland.  He  served,  professionally,  in  Braddock's  army,  and 
after  the  defeat  of  that  ill-fated  officer,  went  to  the  Island  of  Jamaica, 
where  he  resided  for  forty  years,  and  until  declining  health  induced 
him  to  come  to  America  in  search  of  relief  It  was  in  Alexandria, 
after  a  painful  illness,  death  arrested  him,  on  the  18  day  of  Novem- 
ber, A.  D.  1801,  in  the  67  year  of  his  age,  much  regretted  by  his 
friends  and  acquaintances. 

This  moniunent,  while  it  expresses  the  attachment  of  his  widow, 
reminds  those,  by  whom  it  may  be  observed,  it  is  appointed  unto 
men  once  to  die  and  after  death  the  judgment. 

At  Portsmouth,  JV.  ff.:. 

Here  rest  the  remains  of  doctor  JoisiiuA  Brackktt,  late  presi- 
dent of  the  New  Hampshire  Medical  society  who,  in  full  belief  of 
the  restoration  of  all  things,  calmly  resigned  his  breath,  17  July, 
A.  D.  1S02,  in  the  69  year  of  his  age. 


At  Norwich,  Conn.: 

In  memory  of  doctor  Joshua  Lathrop. 
A.  D.  1807  in  the  85  year  of  his  age. 


He  died  29  October  , 


mmmm 


138 


'       PROFESSIONAL 

A  soul  prepared  needs  no  delays  v 
The  summons  comes,  the  saint  obeys ; 
Swift  was  his  flight,  and  short  the  road 
He  clos'd  his  eyes  and  saw  his  God. 


On  a  stone  in  JVew  York  State,  is  the  following  to 
the  memory  of  Dr.  Bowers : 

Josiah  Bowers,  M.  D. 

Born  September  ist  1791 ;  died  November  7th  1868. 

The  true  physician,  skillful  and  prompt  to  relieve  the  suffering ; 

the  firm  upholder  of  the  right;  the  bold  defender  of  the  oppressed; 

the  advocate  of  reform ;  the  philanthropist,  patriot  and  christian ;  he 

lives  in  our  hearts. 

At  Portland: 

John  Ciupman,  esq,  barrister  at  law,  was  born,  23  October,  A. 
"D.  1722,  and  died,  i  July,  1768,  of  an  apoplexy,  with  which  he  was 
suddenly  seized,  in  the  court  house  in  Falmouth,  while  he  was  ar- 
guing a  case  before  the  superior  court  of  judicature,  then  sitting. 

To  the  remembrance  of  his  great  learning,  uniform  integrity,  and 
singular  humanity  and  benevolence  this  monument  is  dedicated,  by 
a  number  of  his  bretliren  at  the  bar. 


At  JV^ew  Haven,  Conn. : 

Samuel  Bishop,  town  clerk  of  New  Haven  54  years;  its  repre- 
sentative at  54  sessions  of  the  general  assembly,  judge  of  the  county 
and  probate  courts;  died  mayor  of  tlie  city,  and  collector  of  the  port, 
7  August,  1803,  aged  80. 

At  Portsmouth,  N.  II.: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Jonathan  Mitchell  Sewall,  esq, 
counsellor  at  law,  who  departed  this  life,  29  March,  1803,  aged  60. 
In  vain  shall  worth  or  wisdom  plead  to  save 


KriTAl»llvS. 


139 


The  dying  victim  from  the  destin'd  grave, 
Nor  charity,  our  lielpless  nature's  pride. 
The  friend  to  him,  who  knows  no  friend  beside ; 
Nor  genius,  science,  eloquence  have  power, 
One  moment,  to  protract  th'  appointed  liourl 
Could  these  vmited  his  life  have  reprieved 
We  should  not  weep,  for  Sewall  still  liad  lived. 

At  York: 

Here  lies  bin"ied  the  body  of  Auuamam  Prkhli:,  esq,  and  captain 
in  the  town,  and  judge  in  the  county  of  York,  lie  served  his 
country  in  various  other  posts  and,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which 
was  on  the  14  March,  17^3,  in  the  50  year  of  his  age,  he  sustained 
no  less  than  nine  offices,  with  honor. 


ar- 


At  Plymouth,  Mass.: 

Andrew  Farrell,  of  respectable  connexionsj.in  Ireland,  aged 
38  years,  owner  and  commander  of  the  ship,  Hibernia,  sailed  from 
Boston,  26  Jan.  and  was  wrecked  on  Plymouth  beach,  ^8  Jan.  1805. 
His  remains  with  five  of  seven  seamen,  who  perished  with  him,  are 
here  interred. 

O  piteous  lot  of  man's  uncertain  state ; 

What  woes  on  life's  eventful  journey  wait! 

By  sea,  what  treacherous  calms,  what  sudden  st()rm>^. 

And  death  attendant  in  a  thousand  forms  I 


L  esq, 
60. 


At  Prooidenci',  It.  I.: 

A  warning  was  denied ; 

How  many  fall  as  sudden,  not  as  safe. 
This  sepulchral  tablet,  reared  by  filial  gratitude  and  atVection.  is 
consecrated  to  the  memory  of  captain  Zeimiamah  Browx,  wlu)  was 
suddenlv  summoned  bv  imerring  \visiiom,  to  another  and  a  better 
world,  on  the  25  of  July,  A.  D.  1810,  in  the  72  year  of  his  aije.  He 
was,  for  a  series  of  years,  a  nautical  commander,  of  rectitude  and 
ability,  from   Providence,  his  native  town.      His  industry  and  pro- 


■""'8 


m 


140 


PJiOFESSIONAL 


priety  of  conduct  in  his  hazardous  profession  having  been  blessed 
he  engaged  in  commercial  pursuits,  which  he  conducted  with 
increased  reputation  and  prosperity  to  the  closing  scene.  He  be- 
came a  useful  and  revered  member  of  several  incorporated  institu- 
tions, and  amidst  the  vicissitudes  of  life,  love  to  God  and  good  will 
to  men  were  conspicuous  traits  of  his  character.  To  the  intrinsick 
excellence  of  his  exemplary  moral  lifj  were  peculiarly  united  the 
endearing  qualities  of  the  atVectionate  husband,  tender  father,  faith- 
i'.\\  friend  and  benevolent  neighbor. 

Life  lives  beyond  the  grave. 

At  Albany,  iV^.  Y.:  \  /  ■ 

John  Barukr  who  was  born  at  Langford  in   London,  came,  in 
early  life,  to  America  and  died  at  Albany,  where  he  was  printer  to 
the  state  of  New  York,  on  the  lo  of  July  1803,  aged  50  years. 
The  life  of  man 
Is  summ'd  in  birth  days  and  in  sepulchres ; 
But  the  eternal  God  had  no  beginning, 
'  He  hath  no  end. 


; 


At  Philadelphia^  Pa.: 

In  memory  of  mr.  William  Grant,  of  this  city,  merchant,  who 
lived  beloved,  and  died  lamented  by  his  family,  his  friends,  and  his 
country,  30  September,  1750,  aged  40  years. 

Spectator,  feel  if  thou  canst  shed  a  tear. 

Come  pay  the  melancholy  tribute  here. 

1  lere  lies  the  dust,  which  once  religion  fir'd. 

Which  friendship  warm'd,  benevolence  inspired; 

Where  pity  melted  and  good  nature  smil'd. 

Contentment  dwelt  and  honor  undefil'd.  '   , 

Whatc'er  could  grace  the  man,  the  friend  the  saint; 

These  virtues  form'd  thy  soul,  lamented  Grant, 

Thy  soul,  that  now  with  serdph  shines  above, 

In  thy  cotmatural  element  of  love.  ,     . 

Thy  weeping  widow  rears  this  hinnble  stone, 


KI'ITArilH. 


141 


A  grateful  monument  of  worth  well-known ;        ' 

M        Thy  friend  inscrihes  it,  and  would  humbly  claim 

To  join  his  own  to  thv  beloved  name. 

S.  ^:)AVlKs.    . 

At  Ale^'dttdrla,  D.  C: 

Beneath  this  stone  are  deposited  the  remains  of  mrs.  Anxk  War- 
ken,  daughter  of  John  Brunton  esq.  of  England,  and  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Warren,  esq.  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Philadelphia  and  Bal- 
timore theatres. 

By  her  loss  the  American  st.ige  has  been  deprived  of  its  bright- 
est ornament.  The  unrivalled  excellence  of  her  theatricjil  talents 
was  only  surpassed  by  the  many  virtues  and  accomplishments, 
which  adorned  her  private  life.  In  her  were  combined,  the  aftec- 
tionate  wife,  the  tender  mother,  the  sincere  friend.  She  died  at 
Alexandria,  on  the  28  of  June  1808,  aged  39  years. 

At  Netoport^  It.  I.:  . 

Here  are  deposited  the  remains  of  Christophkr  Chami'LIN* 
esq.  president  of  the  bank  of  Rhode  Island,  and  the  first  grand 
master  of  the  masonick  fraternity  in  this  state,  who  died,  on  tlie  25 
day  of  April,  1805,  in  the  75  year  of  his  age.  Unambitious  of  pub- 
lick  employments  and  honors,  he  was  respected  in  society  for  his 
good  sense,  incorruptible  integrity  and  persevering  industry  in  com- 
mercial pursuits,  in  which  he  was  successfully  engaged  for  halt  a 
century.  Distinguished  by  the  practice  of  all  the  virtues,  that  ren- 
der valuable  the  near  relations  of  life,  he  was  most  tenderly  beloved 
by  his  family.  In  his  last  sickness  he  manifested  his  firm  belief  of 
the  christian  religion,  which  he  had  always  cherished,  and  he  ex- 
pired, full  of  hopes,  grounded  on  its  promises. 

From  51  marble  iMomiinent  ill  tlie  btirial-vard  ui)i)ei'- 

•  I    I 

taining  to  Trinity  Clinrch,  Ne^o  York,  N.  Y.: 

Herunder  hviler  det  dodelige  af  Lars  Nannkstad,  Kongelig 
Dansk  vejermester  og  post-mester  paa  oen  St.  Thomas  i  Vestindien 


142 


l'liOFE88IONAl. 


il'l 


samt  kirke  vicrge,  assessor  i  borger  raadet  og  fattiges  f'orniijnder 
sainmesteds  fod  den  6to.  Junii,  1757,  i  Lille  Nestved  paa  oin  Siivl- 
land  i  Danniark  gift  i  aaret  1789,  med  Anna  Maria  Elizalu'lii  Wind- 
berg  ankom  nied  hende  til  New  York  den  3ite  May,  1807,  for  sit 
svage  helbreds  skijld,  og  blev  der  af  herren  henkaldt  til  et  bedre  liv 
den  24  de  Julii  sammeaar  i  en  alder  af  49  aar  og  nogle  dage.  Hans 
esterlevende  dijbstorg  ende  enke  bar  sat  det  nmnument  til  taknem- 
lig  evindring  om  den  Kiierligste  a-getefieble. 

Bliid  du  sank  i  dodens  giemme 
Bliid  soni  all  din  vandel  var 
Aldrig  aldrig  kan  jeg  glemnie 
Hvad  for  mig  du  vieret  bar.     Amen. 

[Translation. — Underneath  lay  tlie  remains  of 
Lars  Nannestad,  his  Danish  majesty's  weigher  and 
post-master  in  tlie  island  of  St.  Tliomas,  assessor  in 
the  burgher-council,  church  warden,  and  guardian  of 
the  poor  at  the  same  place.  He  was  born  on  the  6 
June,  1757,  at  Lille  Nestved,  on  the  island  of  Zea- 
land, in  Denmark;  married,  in  the  year,  1789,  to 
Anna  Maria  Elizabeth  Windberg,  and  arrived  with 
her  at  New  York,  on  the  31  day  of  May,  1807,  for 
the  benefit  of  a  declining  health,  and  was  on  the  24 
day  of  July,  same  year,  called  to  a  better  life,  aged 
49  years  and  some  days.  The  surviving  and  discon- 
solate widow  has  erected  this  monument  as  a  grate- 
ful remembrance  of  a  most  affectionate  husband.] 

• 

From  Christ  church  burying-ground,  Philadel- 
phia.: ^,^.,.„  .,„■,.,.,     , ,,  ,  ..^ 

In.  memory  of 
Richard  Thornbi  11  .    , 

Died  Jany  12th  1827,    "'' •- 


fl 


EPITAIMIS. 


148 


^  Aged  8 1  years. 

/  '  Fifty  of  which,  he  was  a  ringer  at  Christ  Church. 
Life's  chequered  peal,  he  sung  whilst  here  below, 
Resigned  he  met  the  change,  and  wished  to  go. 

From  8t.  Clair  burying-ground,  Canada — on  a 
brickinaker — a  fac-8iinile  of  one  in  Alii^Gomhe  ahxircAx- 
yai'fl,  England: 

"  Keep  death  and  judgement  always  in  your  eve, 
Or  else  the  rfr'tvV  off  with  vou  will  flv, 
And  in  his  KILN  with  brimstone  ever  fry: 
If  you  neglect  the  narrow  road  to  seek, 
Christ  will  reject  you,  like  a  half-burnt  hrick! 


At  St  Johns,,  New  Brunswick,,  on  an  old  mariner: 

Weep  for  a  seaman,  honest  and  sincere. 

Not  cast  away,  but  brought  to  anchor  here, 

Storms  had  o'erwhelm'd  him,  but  the  conscious  wave 

Repented,  and  resigned  him  to  the  grave. 

In  harbor,  safe  from  shipwreck  now  he  lies, 

Till  Times  last  signal  blazes  through  the  skies, 

Refitted  in  a  moinent  he'll  then  be. 

Sail  from  this  port  on  an  eternal  sea. 

Epitapli  on  a  Long  Island  cari^enter: 

No  wonder  he  sawed  short  life's  span, 
For  long  he  was  a  (n)  ailing  man. 


rt; 


\\m^ 


..«,«,.. 


On  a  mechanic: 


He  was  a  man  of  invention  great. 
Above  all  that  lived  nigh, 
But  he  could  not  invent  to  liye, 
When  God  called  him  to  die. 


144 


PROFKSHIONAL 


On  a  glazier — from  a  biirying-gronnd  neav  Boston, 

Mass. : 

»,-  ■        .  I., 

Prectirious  dealer ;  Death  alas 
Has  snapt  in  two  life's  brittle  glass. 
Keen  was  thy  di'niond  on  the  pane 
.  And  well  the  putty  stopped  the  rain, 

But  all  thy  arts,  were  weak  thro  life,  .     ;     * 

Death  cut  more  certain  with  his  scythe.      •;      • 
And  thou  safe  from  a  rainy  day  .  .  , 

Are  puty'd  up  in  mother  clay. 

■'■.•.'■ 

On  a  dentist:  .  , 

He  is  filling  hus  last  cavity. 

On  a  coroner,  who  hanged  himself: 

Me  lived  and  died  by  suicide. 

On  an  old  sexton  at  Dorchester^  Mass.: 

This  grave  was  dug  and  finished 
in  the  year  1833, 

by  .  • 

Daniel  Davenport 
when  he  had  been  sexton 
in   Dorchester 
twenty-seven  years, 
had  attended  1 135  funerals, 
and  dug  734  graves. 
As  a  sexton  with  my  spade  I  learned 
To  delve  beneath  the  sod ;  .•:)...• 

Where  body  to  the  earth  returned. 
But  spirit  to  its  God. 
Years  twenty-seven  this  toil  it  bore, 
And  midst  deaths  oft  was  spared. 
Seven  hundred  graves  and  thii'ty-fout-  I  dug. 


Kl'lTAI'IIS. 


145 


Then  mine  prepared. 
And  when  fit  hist  I  too  must  die 
Some  else  the  hell  will  toll; 
As  here  my  mortal  relics  lie, 
May  heaven  receive  mv  soul. 


[KoTE. — He  continued  to  perform  the  duties  of  sex- 
ton until  1852,  and  died  in  1800 — twenty-seven  years 
after  digging  his  grave.] 


'       ;!!ii 


m 


Wm 


r 


LUDICROUS,   ECCENTRIC  AND 
RIDICULOUS  EPITAPHS. 


i! 


IK! 


Ludicrous,  Eccentric  and 
Ridiculous  Epitaphs. 


"  They  have  all 
Gone  like  tenants  that  quit  without  warning, 
Down  the  back -entry  of  time." 

— Holmes. 


Epitaph 
Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

LITTLE  JERRY. 

Grim  Death  has  taken  darling  little  Jerry, 
The  son  of  Joseph  and  Serena  Ilowels; 
Seven  days  he  wrestled  with  the  Dysentery, 
And  then  he  perished  in  his  little  ilowels. 

It  was  the  Saviour  wanted  little  Jerry, 
Who  bids  the  little  ones  to  come  to  Him. 
It's  probable  now  that  he's  practising  very, 
Assiduous  like,  his  little  Angel  hymn. 

No  doubt  'twas  weaning,  injured  little  Jerry, 
The  bottle  seemed  to  damp  his  stomach's  tone 
But  with  the  angels  he  gets  plump  and  merry. 
For  there's  no  nursing  botth:s  where  he's  gone. 

J.  R.  Kami. 
149 


150 


LUDICROUS,  ETC. 


I  1^ 

li 


Epitapli  inscribed  on  a  tombstone  in  Arlington^ 
Va.: 


Here  lies  the  body  of  Joii';  Cusns,  who  died 


aged  77 


years ;  and  yet  lived  but  7,  being  the  time  of  his  keeping  a  bachelor's 
house  at  Arlington,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Virginia. 

An  old  gravestone  in  Mllford^  Conn.,  dated  1792, 
has  the  following  singular  epitaph  on  a  young  lady 
who  died  at  the  age  of  24  years : 

Molly,  tho'  pleasant  in  her  day 
Was  suddenly  seized  and  sent  away. 
How  soon  she's  ripe,  how  soon  she's  rotten, 
Laid  in  the  grave  and  soon  forgotten. 

From  a  bnrying-ground  in  the  vicinity  o^  Boston: 

In  memory  of 

BETSEY 

ivife  of  David  Darling 

died  March  23d  1809,  JE..  43. 

She  was  the  Mother  of  17  Children,  and  around 

her  lies  12  of  them,  and  two  were  lost  at  sea. 

Brother  Sextons 

please  to  leave  a  clear  birth  for  me 

near  by  this  stone. 

Epitaph  on  a  colored  lady  who  was  literally  roasted 
in  the  fire  that  destroyed  her  habitation: 

Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant. 

On  a  tombstone  in  Vermont: 

In  sacred  memory  ol' 
the  death  of  Mrs.  L~  P—  wife  of  A.  P— 


m 


EPiTArns. 


151 


.  who  died  of  the  Dropsy  on  the  morning 

of  1 2th  June  1814,  aged  30,  after  the 
painful  operation  of  twenty-two  insitions, 
the  water  measured  41  gals,  and  3  quarts  &  half  of 
a  pint,  and  Aveighed  353  lbs.  12  oz. 
Once  twenty  and  two 
The  lance  did  pierce  the  side 

Of  her  who  bade  adieu 
And  with  composure  died. 

From  Shippenshurg,  Pa.: 

The  memory  of 
Sam.  Will  Smith. 
Who  departed  this  life  Nov.  14,  iSoi.- 
This  lovely  boy  ncjir  8  years  old, 
Lies  Buried  with  his  Brother 
liis  Sister  lies  on  the  one  side 
And  his  Nephew  on  the  other. 


From  Schenectady,  JV.  Y. : 

He  got  a  fish-bone  in  his  throat, 
And  then  he  sang  an  angel  note. 

In  Williamsport,  Pa.,  the  following  lines  appear 
on  a  gravestone: 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

Henry  H 

Born  June  27th  182 1  of  Henry  H 

and  Jane  his  wife. 

Died  on  the  4th  of  May,  1S31,  by  the  kick  of 
a  colt  in  his  bowels. 
Peaceable  and  quiet,  a  friend  to 
his  father  and  mother,  and  rcispected 
by  all  who  knew  him,  and  went 


162  LUDICROUS,  ETC. 

to  the  world  where  horses 
dont  kick,  where  sorrows  and  weeping 
is  no  more. 

[Above  this  inscription  is  engraven  on  the  stone,  a 
diabolical  picture  of  the  colt  in  the  act  of  planting 
his  feet  on  the  abdomen  of  the  boy,  who,  as  the  le- 
gend runs,  was  a  friend  to  his  mother!] 

The  following  serio-comic  epitaph  comes  from  a 
California  gold-digging: 

In  memory  ov 

John  Smith  who  met 

wierlent  deth  near  this  spot 

1 8  hundred  and  40  too.     He  was  shot 

by  his  own  pistill ; 

It  was  not  one  of  the  new  kind, 

but  a  old  fashioned 

brass  barrel,  and  of  such  is  the 

Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

On  a  stone,  in  a  village  (jf  Central  Michigan,  may 
be  found  this  inscription : 

Cora,  wifk  of  Thomas  B 

Died  June  5,  1857  in  the  25th  year  of  her  age. 

She  lived,  beloved, — Died  lamented  by  all  who  new  her. 

Through  insanity  she  from  her  own  husband  did  creep, 

leaving  him  in  bed  fast  asleep. 

And  to  another  room  did  go, 

And  with  a  Razor  caused  her  own  blood  to  flow. 

On  a  tombstone  in  Pennsylvania  are  these  lines: 

Battle  of  Shiloh, 
April  6,  1862. 


EPITAPHS. 


163 


John  D.  L was  born  March  26th  1839,  in  the  town  of  West 

Dresden,  State  of  New  York,  where  the  wicked  cease  from  troub- 
ling and  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

At  the  burial-ground,  Middletow7i,  Conn.^  may  be 
seen  a  tablet  bearing  tliis  inscription: 

•       •  Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

Charley  and  Varley, 
Sons,  of  loving  parents  who  died  in  infancy. 

From  LaPointe,  Lake  Superior ^  comes  the  follow- 
ing: 

This  stone  was  erected  to  the  memory  of ,  who  was  shot  as 

a  mark  of  esteem  by  his  surviving  relatives. 


i 


■  1^1 

'HI 


From  Princeton^  Mass.: 

In  memory  of 
Capt.  Elisha  Allen, 
who  was  inhumanly  mur- 
dered by  Samuel  Frost, 
July  i6th  1793.       , 
aged  48  years. 

Passengers  behold !  my  friends  and  view 
Breathless  I  lie ;  no  more  with  you ; 
Hurried  from  life,  sent  to  the  grave; 
Jesus  my  only  hope — to  save ; 
No  warning  had  of  my  sad  fate 
Till  dire  the  stroke,  alas !  to  late. 

A  stone  in  Montgomery^  Alahamay  rtaJs: 

Stop,  you 
Stone  Cutters, 
,        ,  Here  lays 

Sam  Creer. 

"     .  1855. 


164 


LUDICROUS,  ETC. 


1'' 
ii 


From  New  Hampshire:  ,    ■ 

Richard  Jenkins  here  doth  lay 
(Lately  removed  from  over  the  way) 
His  body's  here — his  soul's  in  heaven. 
1767. 

This  is  from  Genesee  county,  Western  New  York: 

Here  lies  a  Father  and  a  Mother  true, 
A  Granther  and  a  Granny  tue. 

A  gravestone  in  the  old  cemetery  at  Bayjieldy  Wf'^., 
has  the  following: 

Basil,  child  of  Jos.  Davis, 
&  Fleuvis  Davis.    Died 
On  August,  1864,  aged  4  years,  &  4  mths  6c  t8  days. 

Struck 

by 

Thunder. 

Here  is  another  curious  .specimen  from  a  stone  in 
the  churchyard  at  Glastonbury,  Conn,: 

Here  lies  one  whos 

LiFEs  Threads  cut 

Asunder;  she  was 

Struck  dead  by  a  clap       * 

OF  thunder. 

Also  a  third  (only  this  time  it  is  light7iing  instead 
of  thunder  that  "  did  the  bad  deed  ")  from  Dover, 
Maine: 

The  storm  did  rage,  the  wind  did  blow — 
One  flash  of  lightning  laid  him  low — 
1       His  brother  come,  but  oh  1  no  sound — 
Dead  on  the  spot  there  he  was  found. 


KPITAPHS. 


155 


At  Bristol^  Connecticut; 

Five  hundred  miles  out  to  the  west 
'Tis  there  my  body  lies  at  rest, 
Hoping  when  the  Lord  shall  come, 
To  meet  my  friends  who  die  at  home. 

This  is  from  a  cemetery  near  Cincinnati: 

Here  lies 

who  came  to  this  city  and  died 
for  the  benefit  of  his  health. 


Epitaph  on  an  Ohio  woman's  tombstone: 

Neuralgia  worked  on  Mrs.  Jones 
'Till  'neath  the  sod  it  laid  her. 
She  was  a  worthy  Methodist, 
And  served  as  a  crusader. 
Her  obsequies  were  held  at  two, 
With  plenty  of  good  carriages. 
Death  is  the  common  lot  of  all, 
And  comes  as  oft  as  marriages. 

In  a  Connecticut  chnrcliyard  is  the  following  epi- 
taph on  an  old  man,  who  when  he  died  had  a  larij^e 
wen  on  the  top  of  his  dead: 

Our  father  lies  beneath  the  sod, 
His  Spirit's  gone  unto  his  God ; 
We  never  more  shall  hear  his  tread, 
Nor  see  the  wen  upon  his  head. 

On  a  tombstone  in  Tarry  town  ^  JV.  Y.,  is  tlius  re 
corded  the  singular  relationship  of  Edward  C , 


156 


LUDICROUS,  ETC. 


who   died   Feb.    26th,    1786,   aged    56   years   and   4 
months: 

Here  lies  a  tender  and  indulgent  Father 
To  wife,  children  &  his  neighbor ; 
.    His  soul  adorned  with  heavenly  grace 
Now  sees  his  Saviour's  lovely  face. 

A  stone  in  Bradford^  Vt.,  carries  this  couplet: 

She  lived — what  more  can  then  be  said : 
She  died — and  all  we  know  she's  dead. 

A  slab  in  the  village  graveyard  at  Felchville^  Vt.y 
records  for  the  benefit  of  posterity,  that: 

On  the  31st  August  1754,  Capt.  James  Johnson,  had  a  daughter 
born  on  this  spot  of  ground  being  captivated  with  his  whole  family 
by  the  Indians. 

In  the  Catholic  bnrying-gronnd  at  Keesville^  N.  Y.^ 
may  be  seen  this  couplet: 

Here  lies  the  bodies  of  two  sisters  dear 
One's  buried  in  Ireland — the  other  lies  here. 


The  following  is  said  to  be  on  a  gravestone  near 
Hai'tford^  Conn.: 

Here  lies  two  babes,  so  dead  as  nits; 
De  Lord  he  Kilt  dem  mit  his  ague  fits. 
When  dey  was  too  good  to  live  mit  me, 
He  took  dem  up  to  live  mit  He, 

So  he  did. 


KI'lTAPHS.  157 

From  the  ^GCA'(}\^o\'is,  Toronto,  Ca)iada: 

y  Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

VVm.  Mulligan  .  • 

who  departed  this  life 
24  Aug.  1854 
Aged  28  years. 
A  long,  distinguished  linen  draper,   near  Brainbridge,  Co.  Down, 
Ireland. 

Over  the  grave  of  a  little  babe  in  Burlington,  la., 
is  this  stanza: 

Beneath  this  stone  our  baby  lays 
He  neither  cries  nor  hollers; 
Me  lived  just  one  and  twenty  days 
And  cost  us  fortv  dollars. 


On  a  tombstone  in  Alaryland: 

Here  I  lie 
With  my  three  daughters, 
All  of  drinking  Cheltenham  waters: 
If  we  had  stuck  to  Epsoiii  salts, 
We'd  not  have  been  lying 
In  these  here  vaults. 

p]|>itapli  on  a  puritanical  locksmith: 

A  zealous  Locksmith  died  of  late, 
And  did  arrive  at  heaven's  gate; 
He  stood  without  and  would  not  knock, 
Because  he  meant  to  pick  the  lock. 

From  a  tombstone  at  the  '" DevWs  Gate^^ — a  pass 
ill  the  Rocky  Mountains: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Carrie  Sodd, 
Who  has  lately  died  and  gone  to  God; 


lS!li<Rll;'( 


158  LUDiCRoua,  ivrc. 

Which  shows  that  redemption  is  never  too  late 
For  she  was  saved  at  the  "  Devil's  Gate." 


From  a  graveyard  at  Auguata^  Maine: 
Stranger,  pause  and  shed  a  tear, 
For  I  was  verv  beautiful : 
But  sickness  rame;  I  had  to  die; 
And  have  gone  to  plav  with  the  angels. 

The  following  comes  from  Indiana\ 

lie  died  tit  nashville  tcnnessce 

he  died  of  kronic  diaree  ' 

it  trooly  paneful  must  of  bin 

to  die  so  fur  away  frotn  home. 

This  is  ill  remembrance  of  a  man  who  died  June 
29th,  1856,  aged  63  years,  and  was  buried  at  the  Ne- 
cn)poii8,  Toronto^  Canada: 

Sickness  sore  siiort  time  I  Bore 
Physicians  Where  All  in  Vain 
God  Was  Pleased  to  Give  me  Ease 
And  Freed  me  From  mv  Pain. 

The  following  is  an  inscription  on  a  tombstone  in 
PittHburg,  Penn.: 

Din,  Dan,  my  Passing  bell. 

Fare  you  well  my  mother 

Burie  me  in  my  own  churchyard 

Beside  my  own  dere  Brother  / 

When  I  die  my  Cofin  is  Black 

With  six  Brite  Angils  on  my  back 

tow  to  Sing  and  tow  to  pray 

And  tow  to  carry  my  Sole  away. 


KPITAPH8. 


159 


A  tombstone  in  St.  Mary's  Churchyard,  Burling- 
ton^ New  Jersey.,  affords  tliis  stanza: 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Mary  Ann  Lowder, 
She  burst  w  hile  drinking  a  seidleit/  powder, 
Called  from  this  world  to  her  heavenly  rest, 
She  should  have  waited  'till  it  eftervesced. 


From  a  New  England  graveyard: 

Here  lies  John  Aurieular, 
Who  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord  walked  perpendicular. 

From  a  Waukegan  graveyard,  Illinois: 

Words  are  wanting  to  say  what, 
Think  whaf  a  friend  should  be, 
He  was  that  ark. 


i;i 


M 
m 

m 
m 

w 


From  a  grave^'ard  in  Arkanms: 

On  a  daughter  of  Mrs  Cabbage — 
Sweet  bud  of  innocence,  so  soon  decayed. 
So  soon  lopped  off  in  tenderest  vegetation. 

In  a  North  Carolina  bnrying-ground  is  a  stone 
erected  to  the  memory  of  E.  Phiribus  Unum,  young- 
est son  of  John  T.  and  Caroline  Oliver,  departed  this 
life  Nov.  30,  1860,  aged  1  year,  10  m.  9  d.: 

Farewell  thou  charming  little  son, 

We  never  shall  hear  thy  voice  again 

Farewell  little  E  Pluribus  Unum 

May  we  together  in  heaven  rich  blessings  share. 


:•i^ 


160 


LUDICROUS,  ETC. 


A  tombstone  in  Nashmlle  cemetery,  Tenn.,  eajs 
of  the  deceased : 

His  accounts  were  found  square  to  a  cent. 


From  an  old  bnrying-ground  near  Baltimore: 

Peter  Lettig  was  his  name, 
Heaven  I  hope  his  station 
Baltimore  was  his  dwelling  place 
And  Christ  is  his  salvation. 
Now  he  is  dead  and  buried 
And  all  his  bones  are  rotten 
Remember  him  when  this  you  see 
Lest  he  should  be  forgotten. 

At  Gtdlford,  Indiana', 

Ann,  wife  of  I.  H.  B ,  died  Juno  187 — ,  aged  45  years  less  <j  5 

days. 

Dear  angel  wife 

I  gave  the  parting  kiss 

Twentv-one  vrs.  we  lived 

In  truth  and  bliss, 

Always  firm 

But  never  mild 

I  never  saw 

Her  strike  a  child. 

In  Oxford^  New  Hatnpshire; 

To  all  my  friends  I  bid  adieu ; 
A  more  sudden  death  you  never  knew: 
As  I  was  leading  the  old  mare  to  drink, 
She  kicked  and  killed  him  quicker'n  a  wink. 

In   Kenosha   cemetery,    Wis.,    may    be   seen   two 


EPITAPHS. 


161 


tombstones,  one  to  the  raeinoiy  of  Lewis  Knapp,  and 
the  other  to  that  of  his  departed  wife.     Suffice  it  to 
Bay  that  Mr.  Knapp  was  still  in  the  land  of  the  living 
when  the  stones  were  erected. 
The  inscriptions  read : 

Susan  p.  Foster, 
wife  of 
Lewis  Knapp. 
My  dear  and  loving  wife,  meet  me,  with  our  spirit  friends,  at  the 
gate  of  the  Eljsian  Fields  of  Paradise,  where  I  am  coming  by  Na- 
ture's fast  express.     Until  there  we  meet,  a  loving  adieu. 

P.  S. — Our  friends  W.  and  A.  will  soon  join  us  there. 

Lew. 
Happy!    Happy  day!   Hallelujah! 

Amen ! 

Old  Broadguasrc 
Lewis  Knapp, 
Aged  —  years, 

Emigrated , 

to  join  his  wife  and  other  friends  in  the  Celestial  Fields  of  Paradise, 
thanking  God  for  sense  enough  to  die  as  He  had  lived  for  thirty 
years,  thoroughly  infidel  to  all  ancient  and  modern  humbug-mytlis 
as  taught  for  fine  clothes  and  place,  at  others'  cost,  by  an  indolent, 
egotistic,  self-elected  Priestly  Crew. 

The  fear  of  the  Right  Reverend  Doctors  of  Divinity,  theologiuil 
scare-crow  of  Hellfire  and  Damnation  to  all  who  refuse  to  pay  tithes 
to  their  support,  had  no  force  or  efl'cct  on  Lewis  Knapji. 


I 


111 


From  Mila?i,  Ohio; 


Dear  Willie  how  we  miss  you 
We  miss  your  pleasant  smile 
Your  kind  little  hand 
VVe  never  shall  see  you 
We  never  shall  kiss  you 
Till  we  go  to  the  promised  land — com- 
posed by  his  mother.     . 


f! 


V 


1(?2 


LlTDIOROrS,  KTC. 


On  a  tract  peddler  who  sat  down  on  a  can  of  nitro- 
glycerine (no  vonchers): 

To  the  azure  depths  of  the  upper  air 
His  body  had  flewn,  flewn,  flewn. 
A  bit  of  him  here,  and  a  bit  of  him  there, 
And  over  the  landscape  everywhere — 
It  now  lies  strewn,  strewn,  strewn ; 
IJut  his  soul  I  believe,  and  am  willing  to  swear 
Is  grandly  climbing  the  golden  stair, 
To  an  anti-glycerine  tune ; 
Gone  where  they  dont  put  it  up  in  cans. 

At  Ledyard,  Cotm.,  on  a  man  who  after  se\eral 
iittenipts  at  snicide,  died  from  natural  canses: 

•  — He  died  an  honest  death — 

A  tombstone  in  Portland^  Maine,  bears  this  coup- 
let: 

The  little  hero  that  lies  here 
Was  conquered  by  the  diarrhea. 

Inscription  on  Governor  Eaton's  monument: 

T'  attend  you,  sir,  under  these  framed  stones, 
Are  come  your  honored  son  and  daughter  Jones, 
On  each  hand  to  repose  their  weary  bones. 

From  Lafayette,  Ind.,' 

Here  lies  I 
Killed  by  a  sky 
Rocket  in  my  eye. 

The  following  is  on  an  ancient  tombstone  at  Dam- 
arisGotta,  Maine: 


p:pitaph8. 

Now  Dad  is  dead  and  gone, 
Dad  left  me  here  alone ; 
But  hope  in  Christ  I  have, 
That  he  and  I  will  save. 


163 


i  I 


A  Colorado  tombstone  savs: 

He  was  young. 
He  was  fair, 
But  the  Injuns 
Raised  his  ha'r. 


im- 


On  a  tombstone  in  Ohio^  is  the  following  singular 
inscription: 

Under  this  sod 

And  under  these  trees 

Lieth  the  bod- 

y  of  Solomon  Pease. 

He's  not  in  this  hole. 

But  only  his  pod ; 

He  shelled  out  his  soul 

And  went  up  to  his  God. 

Tlie  departure  of  Miss  Betty  Conway  is  thus  com- 
memorated: 

Poor  Betty  Conway ! 
She  drank  lemonade 
At  a  masquerade; 
So  now  she's  dead  and  gone  away. 

The  following  stanza  is  copied  from  the  tombstone 
of  a  youngster  who  died  from  eating  green  cherries: 

A  cherry  incompletely  ripe 
His  little  business  did  for  him 


■Pi"-' 


i;. 


i'i  t 


164 


LUDICROUS,  ETC. 

And  now  serenely  free  from  gripe 
He  is  a  bob- tailed  cherubim. 


At  Lebanon^  Conn.,  on  tlie  tombstone  of  a  yonng 
lad  J  who  died  away  from  home:  ,   .   .   , 

As  a  stranger  she  did  die, 
In  strange  lands  she  doth  lie, 
Here  by  strangers  she  was  laid, 
And  her  funeral  charges  paid. 

Fnnii  Union  District,  S .  C:  ..  • 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Betty  Bowden  •  . 

Who  would  live  longer  but  she  cotclden, 
Sorrow  and  grief  made  her  decay. 
Till  her  bad  leg  carried  her  away. 

In  Marthas  Vineyard'. 

Lydia,  wife  of  John  Claghorn, 
John  and  Lydia, 
That  lovely  pair 
A  whate  killed  him 
Here  body  lies  here. 
Tlieir  souls  we  hope 
With  Christ  now  reign 
So  our  great  loss 
Is  their  great  gain. 

In  the  cemetery  at  Keysvllle,  N.  Y.,  is  a  gravc- 
titone  bearing  this  striking  inscription: 

: .,        •  Sarah  Thomas  is  dead 

And  that's  enough. 
The  candle  is  out, 
Also  the  snuft". 


EPITAPHS. 

Her  soul  is  in  Heaven, 
You  need  not  fear, 
And  all  that's  left 
Is  interred  here. 


165 


A  monument  in  the  Catholic  cemetery  at  ^mi.^ 


h;is  tlie  foIIowin(»-; 


Patrick  is  my  name, 

Ireland  is  my  nation ; 

New  Haggard  is  my  dwelling-place, 

And  Heaven  my  expectation. 


I!  I 


PUNNING  AND   SATIRICAL 
EPITAPHS. 


i* 


Punning  and  Satirical 
Epitaphs. 


» « ^ 


"  Let  me  alone,  for  I  love  to  shy 
These  bits  of  things  at  the  passers-by." 

— Broxvnell. 

A  Baltimore  gormandizer's  epitaph  on  a  Boarding- 
HousE  Rooster: 

Here  lies  in  plenitude  of  years, 
A  noble  chanticleer ; 
He  led  a  virtuous  chicken  life 
And  died  without  a  fear. 

Here  lie  his  bones  and  muscles  too, 
Untouched  by  carver's  art ; 
Tenacious  to  the  very  last, 
In  death  they  would  not  part 

From  Keesville,  N'.  Y.: 

Here  lies  a  man  of  good  repute, 
Who  wore  a  No.  i6  Boot. 
'Tis  not  recorded  how  he  died, 
But  sure  it  is,  that  open  wide, 
169 


.■■»*:.■ 


r^ 


170 


PUNNING 

The  gates  of  heaven  must  have  been 
To  let  such  monstrous  leet  within. 


A  tombstone  in  New  Orleans ^^v^f^i^A  over  the  grave 
of  a  negro  who  was  scalded  to  deatli,  bears  this  in- 
scription : 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  our  'steamed  friend. 

From  tlie  toml>stone  of  a  youth  who  died  from  too 
much  fruit  pie: 

Currants  have  checked  the  current  of  my  blood, 

And  berries  brought  me  to  be  buried  here ; 

Pears  have  par'd  off  my  body's  hardihood, 

And  plums  and  plumbers  spare  not  one  so  spare. 

Fain  would  I  feign  my  fall ;  so  fair  a  fare 

Lessens  not  hate,  yet,  'tis  a  lesson  good. 

Gilt  will  not  long  hide  guilt,  such  thin-washed  ware, 

Wears  quickly,  and  its  rude  touch  soon  is  rued. 

'Grave  on  my  grave  some  sentence  grave  and  terse. 

That  lies  not  as  it  lies  upon  my  clay. 

But  in  a  gentle  strain  of  unstrained  verse. 

Prays  all  to  pity  a  poor  patty's  prey. 

Rehearses  I  was  fruitful  to  my  hearse, 

Tells  that  my  days  are  told,  and  soom  I'm  toH'd  away. 

At  Sag  Harbor^  Long  Island: 

Behold,  ye  mortals  passing  by, 
How  thick  the  partners  of  one  husband  lie, 
Vast  and  unsearchable  the  ways  of  God ; 
Just  but  severe  his  chastening  rod. 

From  a  burying-ground  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston, 
Mass. : 

Here  lies  ye  body  of 
Mrs.  Ammey  Hunt  wife  of 


EPITAPHS. 


171 


»0 


m, 


Mr.  Benjamin  Hunt 

Who  died  Nov.  26th  1769, 

Aged  40  years. 

A  sister  of  Sarah  Lucius  lieth  here, 
Whom  I  did  love  most  Dear, 
And  now  her  Soul  hath  took  its  Flight 
And  bid  her  Spightful  Foes  good  Night. 

The  following  spicy  inscription  is  found  on  a  tomb- 
stone at  Hooaiek  Falls^  New  York; 

Ruth  Sprague 
Died  1846,  aged  9  yrs.  &  4  months. 
She  was  stolen  by  Roderick  R.  Clow.     Her  body  was  dissected 
at  the  office  of  Dr.  P.  Armstrong,  Hoosick,  New  York;  where  her 
mutilated  remains  were  found  and  deposited  here. 

Her  body  dissected  by  fiendish  men, 
Her  bones  anatomized. 
Her  soul — we  trust — has  risen  to  God, 
Where  few  physicians  rise. 

On  a  tombstone  in  Calvary  Cemetery,  Chicago,  is 
this  singular  inscription : 

In  memory  of 

John  S 

who 
departed  this  life 
Jany.  13th  1859.     Aged  28  years. 
Cold  is  my  bed,  but  ah  I  love  it, 
For  colder  are  my  friends  above  it. 

From  a  Rhode  Island  bnrying-ground : 

I  dreamt  that  buried  in  my  fellow  clay 
Close  by  a  common  beggar's  side  I  lay, 


5.;:jfci'i 


172  SATIRICAL 

Such  a  mean  companion  hurt  my  pride 
And,  like  a  corse  of  consequence,  /  cried 
"  Scoundrel  begone  and  hencclorth  touch  me  not 
Now  manners  learn  and  at  a  distance  rot." 
"  Scoundrel  in  still  hautier  tones  cried  //f?. 
Proud  lump  of  earth  I  scorn  thy  words  and  thee, 
All  here  are  equal,  thy  place  now  is  mine 
This  is  my  rotting  place,  and  that  is  thine." 

On  a  man  whose  memory  is  perpetuated  by  two 
tombstones  in  Neio  Jersey — one  in  a  Presbyterian 
churchyard,  wiiere  liis  body  is,  and  the  other  in  a 
Methodist  churchyard  where  his  body  was.  The  in- 
scription on  tlie  stone  where  he  isn't  reads: 

Interred  in  this  spot  his  body  did  lay, 
On  the  grounds  selected,  for  which  he  did  pay ; 
But  his  widow  would  not  let  his  body  alone, 
Because  his  first  children  reared  a  stone. 

After  his  death  his  children  and  second  wife 
Sought  to  hold  what  he  had  earned  during  his  life 
His  first  children  no  claim,  no  portion  should  hold, 
So  they  robbed  his  grave  and  his  lot  they  sold. 

On  the  tomb  of  a  wife,  a  shrew  in  life,  to  the  in- 
scription, "  Resurgam  "  were  added  the  words,  "  But 
don't  tell  ray  dear  husband  of  it." 

On  a  Quaker's  second  wife: 

Here  lies  wife  second  of  old  Wing  Rogers, 
She's  safe  from  cares  and  I  from  bothers ; 
If  death  had  known  thee  as  well  as  I, 
He  ne'er  had  stopped,  but  passed  thee  by, 
I  wish  him  joy,  but  much  I  fear. 
He'll  rue  the  day  he  came  thee  near. 


EIMTAIMIS. 


173 


Tliti  following  tour  are  from  tombstones  in  Massa- 
chusetts; 

To  the  memory  of  Captain  Barber,  a  staunch  patriot,  who  fought 
and  bled  for  his  country,  who  was  foj-emost  in  all  the  stormy  deeds 
of  his  nation's  history.  Known  to  be  a  liberal  man!  but  he  was  a 
glutton  and  a  wine-bibber!  drove  his  only  son  to  sea  and  to  ruin; 
killed  his  wife  bv  his  misdeeds,  and  died  drunk  in  his  fifty-first 
year. 

To  the  memory  of  Mary  Gold, 

Who  was  gold  in  nothing  but  her  name. 

She  was  a  tolerable  woman  for  an  acquaintance 

But  O.  II.  himself  couldn't  live  with  her. 

Her  temper  was  furious 

Her  tongue  was  vindictive. 

She  resented  a  look  and  frowned  at  a  smile, 

And  was  as  sour  as  vinegar. 

She  punished  the  earth  upwards  of  40  years, 

To  say  nothing  of  her  relations 

This  to  the  memory  of  Ellen  Hill, 

A  woman  who  would  always  have  her  will, 

She  snubbed  her  husband,  though  she  made  good  bread, 

And  on  the  whole,  he's  rather  glad  she's  dead. 

She  whipped  her  children  (and  she  drank  her  gin), 

Whipped  virtue  out,  and  whipped  the  devil  in. 

May  all  such  women  go  to  some  great  fold, 

Where  they  through  all  eternity  can  scold. 


John  T- 


-,  Schoolmaster. 


May  he  be  punished  as  often  as  he  punished  us. 

He  was  a  hard  old  shell. 

He  said  the  Lord's  Prayer  every  morning. 

May  the  Lord  forgive  him,  as  often  as  he  forgave  us. 

That  was  never. 

We  his  scholars  rear  this  stone  over  his  ashes, 


174 


SATIRICAL 


Though  they  are  not  worth  it. 
We  are  glad  his  reign  is  over, 

Amen. 

The  following  curious  epitaph  may  be  found  at 
Duxhury,  Mass.,  on  the  tombstone  of  an  old  lady, 
who  w"s  cut  off  at  87  years  and  11  months: 

The  chisel  can't  help  her  any. 
On  an  attorney-at-law: 

Here  he  lief  as  he  always  did, 
Stranger  be  civil — the  rest  God  knovirs, 
So  does  the  devil. 

Tn  memory  of  the  late  lamented  Thompson: 

Death  came  at  half-past  nine  o'clock. 
And  put  out  Thompson's  candle. 
Thank  Heaven,  that  gives  him  rest  at  last 
Ifrom  this  here  Beecher  Scandal. 

From  the  north  cemetery  at  Dorchester,  Mass.: 

Long  fifty  yearG  full  well  he  wrought. 
On  buildings,  frtiil-trees,  and  the  song; 
With  age,  infirmity  was  brought, 
He  pined,  neglected — was  that  wrong! 

From  a  tombstone  in  Ohio  is  the  following: 

Hear  the  old  man  lies. 

No  one  laughs  no  one  cries. 

Where  he  has  gone  or  how  he  fares 

No  one  knows  and  no  one  cares, 

But  his  brother  J,o.me8  and  his  w-fe  Emeline 

They  was  his  friends  all  of  the  time. 


>i,A  ■•^J 


EPiTArns. 


175 


Epitaph  on  a  money-lender;  from  a  San  Francis- 
co bnrying-grouiid: 

Here  lies  old  thirtj-five  per  cent: 
The  more  he  made,  the  more  he  lent; 
The  more  he  got,  the  more  he  craved ; 
The  more  he  made,  the  more  he  shaved; 
Great  God  I  can  such  a  soul  be  saved. 

From  a  tombstone  in  t\\ii  Lafayette  bnrying-^round, 
Indiana: 

Here  lies  the  dust  of  old  Zeke  Polk 
His  early  days  he  spent  in  pleasure, 
His  latter  days  in  gathering  treasure, 
To  holy  cheats  he  ne'er  was  willing. 
To  give  a  solitary  shilling. 
To  \\\\w  Jirst-fniits  were  odious  things. 
And  so  were  bishops,  tithes,  and  kings. 

This  is  from  a  tombstone  in  New  Haniysliire ; 

Here  lies  our  beloved  daughter, 
Killed  by  the  hands  of  the  malicious  Henry, 
Who  on  the  way  to  school  he  met  her 
And  with  a  six  self-cocked  pistol,  shot  her. 

From  a  graveyard  in  New  England;  epitapli  on 
the  Rev.  John  Knowles: 

Vis  Scire,  quis  Sim. ^     N'>men  est  Knowles:  Dixi  Satis! 

[Tkanslatiox. —  Do  yon  wish  to  know  wh.o  I  am? 
My  name  is  Knowles.     I  liave  tokl  you  enough.] 

From  Virginia; 

My  name,  my  country,  what  are  they  to  thee.'' 
What  whether  high  or  low  my  pedigree.'' 


ij' 


176  SATIRICAL    EPITAPHS. 

Perhaps  I  Ihr  surpassed  all  other  men, 
Perhaps  I  fell  behind  them  all — what  then? 
Suffice  it  stranger  that  thou  see'st  a  tomb ; 
Thou  knows't  its  use;  it  hides  no  matter  whom. 

The  following  is  an  epitaph  that  was  in  sentiment 
raised  at  a  medical  college  banquet  in  Chicago,  1875, 
over  the  monumental  pile  of  stones  hurled  at  a  Chem- 
ical Professor,  who  had  the  audacity,  in  a  valedictory 
address,  to  maliciously  slander  the  medical  profession: 

Underneath  these  stones  lie  the  Professor's  bones, 

In  life  his  sole  affinity  was  evil, 

He  pitched  into  the  Doctor — floundered  into  hot  water — 

And  now  carries  The  Times  to  the  devil. 


Epitaph  on  "The  Country  Doctor:" 

Here  lies  at  length,  tho'  length  not  long, 
A  vender  oi  small  pills. 

Who  quacked  his  wares  through  little  towns. 
For  curing  minor  ills. 

This  dapper  doctor  was  so  small, 
So  small  his  sugar  pills, 
That  all  his  patrons  looked  aghast, 
To  see  his  monstrous  bills. 

Death  cut  him  short,  as  life  had  done — 
How  could  he  cut  him  long.'' 
As  small  his  stature,  lame  and  worth, 
So  brief  shall  be  my  song. 


nt 
5, 

Q- 

rv 
</ 

ti: 


MISCELLANEOUS  EPITAPHS. 


m 


Miscellaneous   Epitaphs. 


♦  ♦  ♦ 


"  It  takes  all  sorts  to  make  a  world." 


-Holland. 


The  following  is  an  inscription  on  an  ancient  grave- 
stone in  Dorchester,  Mass.,  over  the  remains  of  two 
children  buried  in  one  grave: 

Abel,  his  offering  accepted  is ; 
His  body  to  the  grave,  his  soul  to  bliss, 
On  October  twentv  and  no  more, 
In  the  year  sixteen  hundred  44. 

Submit,  submitted  to  her  heavenly  king. 
Being  a  flower  of  the  eternal  Spring ; 
Near  3  years  old  she  died  in  heaven  to  wait, 
The  year  was  sixteen  hundred  48. 

In  Watertown,  Mass.,  is  a  tablet  inscribed: 

Here  lies  the  precious  dust  of 


Thomas  Bailey, 

A  painful  preacher. 

An  eminent  liver, 

A  tender  husband, 

A  careful  father, 

A  brother  in  adversity, 

A  faithful  friend, 


A  most  desirable  neighbor, 
A  pleasant  companion, 
A  CO. Tim  on  good, 
A  cheerful  doer, 
A  patient  sufferer, 
Lived  much  in  little 
time. 


179 


180  MISCELLANEOUS 

A  good  copy  for  all  survivors. 

Aged  35  years. 

— He  slept  in  Jesus  the  2ist  of  January,  i86S. 

In  Roxbury^  Mass.^  may  be  seen  this  quaint  in- 
scription over  the  grave  of  Thomas  Dudley,  a  colo- 
nial governor  who  died  in  1G53,  aet.  77: 

Thomas  Dudley. 

Ah !   old  must  die. 
A  Death's  head  on  your  hand,  you  need  not  weare, 
A  dying  head  you  on  your  shoulders  beare. 
You  need  not  one  to  mind  you,  you  must  dye. 
You  in  your  name  may  spell  mortalitye. 
Younge  men  may  dye,  but  old  men  these  dye  must: 
'Twill  not  be  long  before  you  turn  to  dust. 
Before  you  turn  to  dust!  ah!  must!  old!  dye! 
What  shall  young  doe,  when  old  in  dust  doe  lye.-* 
When  old  in  dust  lye,  what  New  England  doe? 
When  old  in  dust  doe  lye,  its  best  dye  too. 

A  tombstone  in  Canton^  Illinois,  reads: 

Stranger  step  lightly  o'er  this  grave 

Here  lies  the  remains  of 

GARY  COLE 

aged  ig  years. 
An  orphan  whose  spirit  is  now  in  heaven 
the  only  friend  she  had  left  on  God's  earth, 
WAS  Amos  Smith. 


From  the  old  burying-ground  at  Cranston,  Rhode 
Island: 

Here  lies  the  body  of 

Joseph  Williams,  Esq. 

Son  of  Roger  Williams,  Esq. 


EPITAPHS. 


181 


(The  first  white  man  that  came  to  Providence.) 
Born  1644.     Died  1725. 
In  King  Philip's  war,  he  courageously  went  through, 
And  the  native  Indians  he  bravely  did  subdue; 
And  now  he's  gone  down  into  the  grave,  and  he  will  be  no  more, 
Until  it  please  Almighty  God  his  body  to  restore 
Into  some  proper  shape,  as  he  thinks  fit  to  be, 
Perhaps  like  a  grain  of  wheat,  as  Paul  set  forth,  you  see, 
Corinthians  I  Book,  15  Chap.  37  verse. 

Long  Island,  lias  a  tombfetone  which  reads: 

In  memory  of 
Michal,  wife  of  Nath'l  T— - 
who  died  Feb.  15,  1756. 
Beneath  this  little  stone 
Does  my  beloved  lie, 
0  pity,  pity  me,  whoever  passeth  by; 
And  spend  a  tear  at  least. 
Or  else  a  tear  let  fall,  on  my 
Sweet  blooming  rose,  whom 
God  so  soon  did  call. 

This  ceiitic  epitaph  may  be  found  on  the  tomb- 
stone of  Rabbi  Judah  Morris,  who  was  for  forty 
years  Hebrew  Instructor  in  Harvard  University;  was 
converted  to  Christianity  in  1722,  and  died  at  North- 
horotigh,  Mass.,  in  1764: 

A  native  branch  of  Jacob  see. 

Which  once  from  off  its  olive  broke; 

Regrafted  from  the  living  tree,     Rom.  XI.  17-24. 

Of  the  reviving  sap  partook. 

From  teeming  Zioti's  fertile  womb.     Isa.  LXVI.  S. 

As  dewy  drops  in  early  morn.     Ps.  CX.  3. 

Or  rising  bodies  from  the  tomb.    Jolm,  V.  28,  29. 

At  once  be  Israel's  nation  born.     Isa.  LXVI.  8.  . 


182 


MISCELLANEOUS 


The  following  is  from  Litchfield^  Conn.: 

Here  lies  the  body  ol"  Mrs.  Mary,  wife  of  Deacon  John  Buel,  Esq. 

She  died  Nov.  4,  1768,  aged  90 having  had    13   Children,  loi 

Grand-Children,  247  Great-Grand-Children,  and  49  Great-Great- 
Grand-Children;  total  410. 

Three  Hundred  and  Thirty-six  survived  her. 


A  stone  in  Bedford  clinrcliyard,  J/«s5.,  says: 

Here  lies  the  Body 

of  2  Children  of  Capt.  Edward 

Stearns  «&  Mrs.  Lucy  his 

wife. 


Edward 

died  May  ye 

24th  1768.     In 

the  Sth  vear 

of  his  age. 

Here  lies  ye  Bones   of  Edward 

Stearns 
His  soul  I  trust  rests  in 

Christ's  arms ; 
And  when  ye  last  trumpet 

shall  sovmd 
Then  he  shall  rise  out 

of  the  ground. 


Lucy 

died  May  ye 

2otii  7768.     In 

the  13th  year 

of  her  age. 

The  Body  of  a  lovely 

Maid 
Lies  buried  in  her 

silent  grave 
And  in  it  doth  take 

quiet  Rest 
As  is  of  Beds  it  were 

the  Best. 


In  Westminster   churchward,  Yt.: 

In  memory  of  William  French  who  was  shot  at  Westminster 
March  ye  12th,  1775,  by  the  hand  of  the  cruel  Ministerial  tools  of 
Georg  ye  3rd  at  the  Court-house  at  a  1 1  o'clock  at  night  in  the  22d 
year  of  his  age. 

Here  William  French  his  Body  lies 

For  Murder  his  Blood  for  Vengeance  cries. 

King  Georg  the  third  his  Tory  crew 


EPITAPHS. 


183 


tha  with  a  bawl  his  head  Shot  threw. 
For  Liberty  and  his  Country's  Good, 
He  Lost  his  Life  his  Dearest  blood. 


From  an  ancient  stone  in  New  Preston^  Conn.: 

-1777- 

Here  did  she  go 
Just  as  she  did  begin 
Death  to  know 
Before  she  knew  to  sin. 

From  a  Yermont  tombstone: 

Here  lies,  cut  down,  like  unripe  fruit, 

A  son  of  Mr.  Amos  Tute, 

And  of  Mrs  Jemima  Tute,  his  wife, — 

Called  Jonathan;  of  whose  frail  life. 

The  days  all  summed,  how  short  the  account, 

Scarcely  to  fourteen  years  amount. 

Born  the  twelfth  of  May  was  he 

In  seventeen  hundred  and  sixty-three; 

To  death  he  fell  a  hopeless  prey 

On  April  V.  &  twentieth  day. 

In  seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-seven. 

Quitting  this  world,  we  hope,  for  heaven. 

Behold  the  amazing  alteration 

Effected  by  innoculation : 

The  means  employed  his  life  to  save 

Hurried  him  headlong  to  the  grave. 

At  New  Milford^  Conn. : 

Rest  here,  my  body,  till  the  Archangel's  voice  more  sonorous  fir 
than  nine  fold  thunder,  wakes  the  sleeping  dead ;  then  rise  to  thy 
just  sphere  and  be  my  house  immortal. 

Composed  by  the 
deceased  Partridge  Thatcher,  Esq. 


184 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Oil  a  tombstone  in  Malne^  is  tliis  tribute  to  an  un- 
fortunate husband,  by  his  distressingly  relieved 
widow : 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  James  H.  R m,  who  died  Aug.  the 

6th,  1800.  His  widow  who  mourns  as  one  wiio  can  be  comforted, 
aged  24,  and  possessing  every  qualification  for  a  good  wife,  lives  at 
street,  in  this  village. 

The  following  lines  are  on  the  tombstone  of  Robert 
C.  Wright,  near  Appomattox  Court  House^  Va.: 

Robert  C.  Wright  was  Born  June  26th,  1772.  Died  July  2d, 
181 5,  by  the  bloodthrusty  hand  of  John  Sweeney,  Sr.,  who  was 
massacre  with  the  Nile,  then  a  London  Gun  discharge  a  ball  pene- 
trate the  Heart  that  Give  the  immortal  wound. 

From  a  stone  in  New  York: 

In  memory  of 
The  earthly  house,  or  tabernacle  of 

Sarah  A. , 

Which  fell  Sep.  6th  1847, 

Which  had  been  standing 

37  years  and  5  months : 

Her  Phsychology 

was  the  wife  of 

Henry  C.  H , 

And  daughter  of 

Thomas  and  Mary,  , 

John  XI,  26th. 
Believest  thou  this.'' 
Yes !   Sarah  lives. 


At  Dover ^  New  Hampshire^  is  the  following: 

Repository 


of 


p:pitapii8. 


185 


Husband  &  Wife. 
Joseph  Hartwell,  Inanimated 

Apr.  7,  1867,  ^Et.  68. 

Betsey  Hartwell,  Inanimated 

Dec.  7,  1862,  yEK  68. 

This  embraces  a  period  of  41  years.  In  all  of  our  relations  in  life 
toward  each  other  there  has  been  naught  but  one  continuation  of  fi- 
delity and  loving  kindness.  We  have  never  participated  or  counte- 
nanced in  others  secretly  or  otherwise  that  which  was  calculated  to 
subjugate  the  masses  of  the  people  to  the  dictation  of  a  few.  And 
now  we  will  return  to  our  Common  Mother,  with  our  Individuali- 
ties in  life  unimpaired,  to  pass  through  together  the  ordeal  of  earth's 
chemical  Laboratory  preparatory  to  recuperation. 

Her  last  exclamations. 

If  you  should  be  taken  away,  I  could  not  survive  you.  How 
happy  we  have  lived  together.  Oh  how  you  will  miss  me — Think 
not  Mr.  Hartwell  I  like  you  the  less  for  being  in  the  position  you 
are  in.  No  it  only  strengthens  my  affections.  To  those  who  have 
made  professions  of  friendship  and  have  then  falsified  them  by  liv- 
ing acts,  Pass  ox. 

In  Kose  Hill  Cemetery,  Chicago,  is  a  stone  bear- 
ing this  inscription: 

Abbie  Lomax, 

Died  Nov.  23d  187 1, 

Aged  6  months. 

Here  lies  a  dear  relic 
of  the  great  Chicago  fire. 


This  comes  from  a  graveyard  near  Detroit,  Mich.: 


In  Memory 

of 

Homer  Clink 

who  died 
Oct.  13,  1873, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Sciences 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S60 

(716)  872-4503 


W£. 


Jp 


iV 


186 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Aged  41  yrs.  7  mo.,  21  days. 
He  was  the  kindest  sort  of  man, 

He  was  a  good  provider, 
And  when  a  friend  asked  him  to  drink, 

He  always.called  for  cider. 
His  wife,  she  has  a  noble  heart. 

And  though  she  may  re-marry  : 
"Whene'er  she  thinks  of  Homer  Clink 

Her  heart  a  sigh  will  carry. 
"  He  has  crossed  the  dark  river,  and  found  peace  and  good  health." 


From  a  tombstone  in  Connecticut: 

I  gave  this  ground, 
I'm  laid  here  first; 

Soon  my  remains 

Will  turn  to  dust. 
My  wife  and  progeny  around, 

Come  sleep  with  me 

In  this  cold  ground. 

On  a  stone  in  a  Rhode  Island  burying-ground  is 
this  stanza: 

Here  lies  John  Brown  of  old  extract. 
In  fifty-five  God  did  exact, 
From  him  the  debt  that  all  must  pay 
Who  mortals  are  and  made  of  clay. 

Or  a  small  marble  slab  in  a  Massachusetts  grave- 
yard, .over  the  grave  of  a  man  who  committed  suicide, 
while  insane,  is  the  following: 

Memento  Mori. 
Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  D- 
Born Died  — 


Whose  last  dying  words  were, 


EPITAPHS. 


187 


"To  THE  WAR." 

Dulce  p.t  decorum  est  fro  f atria  mori. 
Sweet  Jesus  was  resigned  to  his  Father's  will, 
And  so  was  he  who  lies  here  still. 


From  Newhuryport,  Mass.,  we  take  this  inscrip- 
tion : 

Death  had  decomposed  him  and  at  the  general  resurrection  Christ 
will  re-compose  him  when  perception  and  thought  shall  resume 
their  several  functions  and  he  shall  become  identically  the  same 
person,  which  deity  composed  him  and  shall  be  happy  or  miserable 
according  to  his  dispositions. 

As  falls  the  tree  so  man  shall  fall  asleep 
And  dormant  lie  till  judgment's  final  doom 
When  Christ  shall  raise  him  from  the  general  heap 
And  break  the  magic  of  the  hungry  tomb. 

Ill  the  burial-ground,  at  Southampton,  Mass.,  is  a 
plain  wooden  slab,  into  which  is  set  a  daguerreotype 
of  a  spiritualist's  inniily ;  beneath  the  picture,  printed 
on  blue  paper,  and  covered  by  a  glass,  is  the  follow- 
ing inscription: 

This 

inclosure  was 

dedicated  to  the  ashes  of 

Josiah  A.  Gridley 

and  family 

March  16,  1852. 

The  above  likeness  was  taken  of  the  family,  as  it  existed,  Nov 
17th,  1847,  with  the  exception  of  Mro.  G.  who  was  so  deranged  that 
it  was  impossible  to  take  her  with  the  group.     Albert  J.  the  oldest 

son  laid  off  the  outer  form,  Nov.  10,  185 1,  aged  19  years yet  he 

is  neither  dead  nor  asleep  but,  converses  daily  with  his  friends  in 
the  body,  of  the  things  that  pertain  to  the  kingdom  of  God. 


188 


MISCELLANEOUS 


At  Toronto^  Canada: 


In  memory  of 
Edwin,  son  of 
John  and  Ann  P- 


Born  at  Toronto  Oct.  26,  1856 
Died  Dec.  loth  1861. 
And  though  we  ne'er  can  meet  again 

On  this  side  of  the  grave : 
We'll  strive  to  win  a  crown  of  life 

From  him  who  died  to  save. 
A  blessed  state  will  then  be  ours, 
In  heaven  we'll  praises  sing, 
With  our  sweet  boy — our  angel  son, 
To  God  the  eternal  king. 

These  verses  are  original. 

At  Woodstock^  Connecticut: 

Dear  babe  weal  weep  for  the  no  more,  *■ 

For  thou  art  now  forever  blest 
The  bitter  pangs  of  death  is  ore 
And  Jesus  smiles  to  see  the  rest. 

The  following  is  copied  from  an  ancient  grave- 
stone in  Pembroke^  Massachusetts: 

Here  rests  a  poor  woman 
Who  always  was  tired, 
For  she  lived  in  a  house 
Where  Help  was  not  hired. 

Her  last  words  were.  Friends, 
Fare  ye  well ;  I  am  going 
To  a  place  where  there's  nothing 
Of  washing  or  sewing. 

Then  weep  not  my  friends,    - 
When  death  shall  us  sever; 


EPITAPHS. 


189 


For  I'll  have  a  nice  time 
In  doing  nothing  forever. 

For  everything  there 
Is  exact  to  my  wishes, 
Since  when  they  don't  eat    . 
There's  no  washing  of  dishes* 

The  courts  with  sweet  music 
Are  constantly  ringing ; 
But  having  no  voice 
I  shall  get  clear  of  singing. 

She  folded  her  hands 
With  her  latest  endeavor, 
And  whispered  sweet  nothing. 
Oh,  nothing,  forever. 


This  comes  from  New  York: 

Many  stood  round 

Though  none  could  save 

This  blooming  youth  from  a  watery  grave ; 

Great  search  was  made  the  corpse  to  obtain, 

But  all  their  searching  was  in  vain. 

Long  time  elapsed-  the  corpse  did  rise, 

And  eager  friends  \    \  seize  the  prize. 

In  the  Necropolis,  Toronto^  Canada^  is  a  stone  oti 
which  is  strangely  inscribed  a  well-known  stanza: 

When  I  rise  to  worlds  unknown  &  behold 
thee  on  thy  throne.  Rock  of  ages  cleff 
for  me  let  me  hide  myself  in  chee. 

In  a  Philadelphia  burying-groiind  is  a  tombstone 
bearing  this  inscription: 

In  memory  of 


190  MI8CKLLANEOU8 

John  Thomas  Wilson, 
aged  32  years. 
Over  the  grave's  cold  silent  deeps 
A  widow  and  two  orphans  weeps. 
A  husband  kind  and  true, 
A  fond  indulgent  father  two. 

Epitaph  on  a  Boston  clergyman,  written  by  him- 
self: 

Beneath  this  stone  lies  the  body  of  one 
Shamefully  treated  in  life 
By  his  wife's  son  and  Dr.  Thorn 
And  Daniel  Seavey's  wife. 

On  Ann  Lavan,  CoUinsville,  Conn.: 

Ann  Lavan  is  my  name, 

Ireland  is  my  nation, 

CoUinsville  my  intering  place. 

Heaven  is  my  station. 
Whilst  grass  is  green  and  roses  red, 
This  is  my  name  when  I  am  dead 
And  all  my  bones  are  rottan. 
On  this  stone  my  name  will  be. 
When  I  am  quite  forgottan. 

From  a  stone  in  Calvary  Cemetery,  Chicago,  over  a 
youth  who  died  at  the  age  of  15  years: 

In  the  time  of  my  boyhood,  I  had  a  strange  feeling. 
That  I  was  to  die  ere  the  noon  of  my  day ; 
Not  quietij'  into  the  silent  grave  stealing. 
But  torn  like  a  blasted  oak,  suddenly  away. 

A  tombstone  at  Doroheater,  Mass.,  has  the  follow- 
ing: 


EPITAPHS. 

On  the  2 1st  of  March 

God's  angels  made  a  sarche. 

Around  the  door  they  stood ; 

They  took  a  maid 

It  is  said, 

And  cut  her  down  like  wood. 


191 


From  Martha'8  Vineyard: 

Not  youthful  charms  together  joined 
With  temper  sweet,  and  virtuous  mind, 
Nor  husbands  tears,  nor  pafents  grief, 
Against  Grim  Death  was  no  relief. 

From  Utishville,  JV.  Y.: 

In  my  23rd  year  I  married  me  a  wife, 
And  lived  with  her  35  years  of  my  life. 
Sixteen  years  after  my  life  I  resigned, 
And  of  my  8  children  left  7  behind. 

Inscription  on  an  ancient  tombstone  in  Rookville^ 
Mass.: 

In  memory  of  Jane  Bent, 
who  kicked  up  her  heels  and  away  she  went. 

Copied  fiom  a  gravestone   in  a   biirying-ground 
near  Philadelphia: 

In  memory  of  Henry  Wang,  son  of  his  Father  and  Mother,  John 
and  Maria  Wang.     Died  Dec.  31st,  1829,  aged  yi  hour. 
The  first  deposit  of  this  yard. 

A  shortrlived  joy 
Was  our  little  boy. 
He  has  gone  on  high. 
So  don't  you  cry. 


192 


MISCELLANEOUS 


In  the  cemetery  at  Cape  May  may  be  seen  this 

epitaph  on  Mary  Jane ,  who  departed  this  life  at 

the  age  of  11  years  and  8  months: 

She  was  not  smart,  she  was  not  fair, 
But  hearts  with  grief  for  her  are  swellin' ; 
And  empty  stands  her  little  chair — 
She  died  of  eatin'  watermelin. 


Epitaph  on  a  dog— composed  by  Dr.  0- — ,  a  stu- 
dent of  the  Chicago  Homoeopathic  College,  class  of 
'77, at  a  vivisection,  by  the  compiler: 

List  ye  doctors  wise  and  great 
And  hear  my  last  good  bye. 
A  tale  or  two  I  would  relate, 
Just  now  before  I  die. 

Two  tales  I  have — you  see  but  one. 
The  good  old  tale  I  wag. 
Has  followed  me  in  every  run 
And  of  this  Tail  I  brag. 

My  other  tale  is  sad  and  lone 
And  lengthy  as  my  days, 
I  see  it  now  as  not  before, 
And  on  my  mind  it  weighs. 

And  though  it's  but  a  dog's  own  tale, 
A  tale  it  is  of  sorrow. 
For  die  I  must — and  nought  but  dust 
This  flog  will  be  to-morrow. 

Martyrs  die  upon  the  rack. 
Their  faith  gives  them  reliance ; 
Whilst  I,  here  faithless,  on  my  back, 
Must  give  my  life  to  science. 

A  Scientific  dog.  Indeed. 


EPITAPHS. 


198 


Although  not  versed  in  art. 
The  world  of  wonder  is  in  need, 
And  I  must  give  my  heart. 

A  Homoeopath  I  sure  will  be 
When  I  am  triturated. 
The  dynamic  force  of  dog,  you'll  see 
In  hash,  as  often  stated. 

Now  all  behold  my  latter  end, 
It  is  a  bitter  cup. 

Let  all  your  tender  feelings  blend, 
And  pity  this  poor  pup. 

A  tombstone  in  Connecticut  has  the  following: 

Now  she  is  dead  and  cannot  stir ; 
Her  cheeks  are  like  the  faded  rose ; 
Which  of  us  shall  next  follQw  her. 
The  Lord  Almighty  only  knows. 

Hark !  she  bids  all  her  friends  adieu ; 
An  angel  calls  her  to  the  spheres ; 
Our  eyes  the  radiant  saint  pursue 
Through  liquid  telescopes  of  tears. 

Epitaph  on  the  warrior -,  by  an  assistant  sur- 
geon of  the  Nineteen  Nankeens: 

Stiff  are  the  warrior's  muscles. 
Congealed  alas!  his  chyle; 
No  more  in  hostile  tussles 
Will  he  excite  his  bile. 
Dry  is  the  epidermis, 
A  vein  no  longer  bleeds, 
And  the  communis  vermis 
Upon  the  warrior  feeds. 

Compressed,  alas !  the  thorax 
That  throbbed  with  joy  or  pain ; 


194 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Not  e'en  a  dose  of  borax 
Could  make  it  throb  again. 
Dried  up  the  warrior's  throat  is 
All  shattered  too  his  head; 
Still  is  the  epiglottis — 
The  warrior  is  dead. 

From  "Willow  Brook  cemetery,  East  Hartford: 

In  memory  of  Serg't  Herman  Barker,  Jr.,  of  Tolland — he  was 
captivated  by  the  British  troops  Sept.  15th  1776, — son  to  Mr.  Her- 
man Barker  and  Lois  his  wife — he  died  on  his  way  home  with  the 
small-pox  Jan.  21st  1777,  in  the  29th  year  of  his  age. 

A  gravestone  at  Sterling^  Miss.j  has  this  stanza: 

As  she  on  her  bed  of  sickness  lay, 
Her  friends  stood  weeping  round. 
She  not  a  word  to  them  could  say, 
No  medicine  could  they  get  down. 

From  Quaker's  Farms,  Oxford^  Conn.: 


S.   H.  M.  H.  Z.  H.  R.  H. 

1 741.  1774*  1806.  1786. 

By  this  stone  are  deposited  the  remains 

of  Capt.  Zachariah  Hawkins 

a  worthy  and  respectable  member  of  Society, 

who  in  the  90th  year  of  his  age  died  in  faith 

and  hope,  June  27th  MDCCCVI. 

He  had  14  children,  who  all  survived  him, 

2  grand-children,  &  95  great-grand-children. 

Sarah,  his  first  wife,  is  buried  in  Derby — 
by  whom  he  had  Sarah  &  Mercy. 

Mary,  his  2nd  wife,  is  buried  12  feet  on  the 
left  of  this  stone — by  whom  he  had 


EPITAPHS.  195 

Mary,  John,  Elizabeth,  Elijah,  Arma,  Gaylord, 

Ruth,  Silas,  Joseph,  Moses, 

&  Isaac. 

Rachel,  his  third  wife,  lies  close  by  this 
on  the  left,  by  whom  he  had  Zachariah. 

Lydia,  his  relict,  and  his  sons 

erect  this  Monument,  their  tribute 

of  gratitude,  love,  and  honor. 

On  a  tombstone  in  J^^ew  Milford^  Conn.,  is  this 
epitaph  on  a  child  who  was  drowned  in  a  cistern: 

In  a  moment  he  fled,  ' 

He  ran  to  the  cistern  and  raised  the  lid, 
His  father  looked  in,  there  did  behold 
His  child  lay  dead  and  cold. 

A  cremationist's  epitaph: 

The  soul  has  flown,  and  the  body's  flue. 


Epitaph  on  Johnny  Smith: 

Four  doctors  tackled  Johnny  Smith,  They  blistered  and  they  bled 

him; 
With  squills  and  anti-bilous  pills,  And  ipecac  they  fed  him. 
They  stirred  him  up  with  calomel,  And  tried  to  move  his  liver; 
But  all  in  vain — his  little  soul.  Was  wafted  o'er  the  river. 

The  following,  marked  H.  N.  C,  were  copied  by  Mr. 
Knapp,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  from  the  "original  manu- 
scripts" furnished  by  a  friend  of  his  who  was  in  the 
gravestone  business,  and  to  whom  they  were  actually 
given  to  be  cut: 

She  seekcth  wool  &  flax,  and  laboreth  dil- 


196 


MISCELLANEOUS 


H.  N.  C. 


H.  N.  C. 


gently  with  her  hands. 

My  cheeks  once  red  like  roses  spread 
My  sparkling  eyes  so  gay 
But  now  behold  me  dead  &  cold 
A  lifeless  lump  of  Clay. 

When  you  unto  my  grave  do  go 
That  Gi^jmy  place  to  see 
Think  Solemnly  that  you  must  die 
And  be  my  Company. 

My  dear  &  beloved  Wife  Though 
Has  left  me  to  morn  thy  sad 
Loss  &  by  the  Blessin  of  god  & 
Son,  1  found  a  nother  Wife. 


H.  N.  c. 


H, 


Life  is  but  a  dream,  how  brief. 

but  death,  how  sure,  how  quick, 

we  little  thought  'twould  come  so  soon 

when  you  said  "/  am  «f>t." 

it  was  hard  to  watch  that  gasping  breath 

and  see  your  little  cheeks  grow  pale 

alas !   and  hear  your  throbbing  breast, 

it  was  sadder  yet  to  close  your  eyes  in  death. 

farewell  dear  Childe  youve  gone  to  rest 
we  loved  you  while  with  us  you  staid : 
we'll  mark  the  spot  with  a  monument 
where  we  have  seen  your  boddy  laid. 
N.  c. 


By  an  Englishman: 

Edward  A.  Taylor  died 
March  ist  1858,  Eaged  4  years. 

Has  Due  drops  in  the  morning 
Mild,  Asends  to  meet  the  rising  sun, 


EPITAPHS. 

So  as  the  Spirit  ot  our  Child 
To  heaven  gone  thus  sin  to  shun. 


197 


H.  N.  C. 


A  Block  Island,  sea  captain's  tombstone  carries 
this  couplet: 

He's  done  a-catching  cod 
And  gone  to  meet  his  God. 

On  a  stone  in  a  Connecticut  churchyard  are  these 
lines: 

Here  lies  two  twins,  all  side  by  side, 
Of  the  SMALL-POX  both  of  them  died. 


Erom  the  head-board  of  a  grave  near  Sunshine 
Campy  Boulder  Canon,  Colorado: 

Here  slumbers  Charlie  Miller, 

Our  little  bucket-filler, 

He  slipped  off  sudden  and  broke  his  neck ; 

Bucket  fell  and  knocked  him  dead. 

A  German  in  a  foreign  land. 

Unknown  and  misunderstood, 

The  boys  all  did  lend  him  a  hand, 

And  done  the  best  for  him  they  could. 

On  the  fifth  day  of  October,  1876,  the  first  public 
cremation  of  a  human  body  in  the  United  States  took 
place  at  Washington,  Pa.  .  To  the  reliqnes  of  an 
Iribh  laborer,  who  met  his  death  while  building  the 
cremation  furnace,  were  accorded  the  honor  of  first 
demonstrating  its  efficacy.  An  eye  witness  thus  de- 
scribes the  performance: 


198 


MISCELLANEOUS  EPITAPHS. 


At  precisely  4  o'clock  the  body  arrived  at  the  fur- 
nace, in  the  hands  of  six  pall-bearers.  It  was  laid  on 
a  sort  of  litter,  constructed  of  black  walnut,  and 
trimmed  with  satin.  The  body  was  placed  in  the 
furnace,  and  the  flames  turned  upon  '^  at  ten  minutes 
after  4,  and  in  forty  minutes  aftei  \vard,  what  was 
once  a  body  was  then  about  six  quarts  of  white  ashes. 
These  were  immediately  gathered  up  and  deposited 
in  a  beautiful  urn  constructed  especially  for  the  oc- 
casion, and  bearing  the  following  inscription: 

This  urn  contains  the  ashes  from  the  remains  of  Thomas  Col- 
lins, who  was  cremated  at  Washington,  Pa.,  Oct.  5,  1876.  He  was 
a  native  of  Ireland,  of  the  County  Cork,  and  near  the  Town  of 
Belley  Castle. 

Died  Oct.  3,  1876. 
Peace  to  his  ashes. 


Epitaph  on  an  Insurance  Company: 

R.  I.  P. 

The  National  Fire  and  Marine 

Insurance  Company'  of  Philadelphia. 

Conceived  in  the  state  office  in  August  iS'Jp.     Born 

to  this  world  of  woe  September  1871.     Died 

from  manifold  diseases,  March  1875. 

It  escaped  the  great  Chicago  fire 

only  to  be  wrecked  on  the 

sands  of  gross  mis- 

*  management. 


May  we  never  look  upon  Us  like  again. 


INDEX. 


INDEX 
To  Epitaphs  and  Obsequies. 


11 


»  ■ «» 


PAOK 

Abbott,  John .         .69 

Abel,  On  .         .         ...         .         ...        179 

Adam's  place  of  Sepulture     .         .         .         .         .         .         .16 

Adams,  John  Quincy         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         44 

,  John,  and  Wife  .......     43 

,  Julia     .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         79 

,  Michael  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .111 

Admonitory  Epitaphs        .......         67 

Adulatory  Epitaphs       .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .   loc 

Ahyouwaighs  .  .  .  .  .         .  .         .  50 

Alden,  Mrs.  Martha      ........     95 

Allen,  Elisha  ........        153 

,  Ethan       .........     49 

Artilleryman,  On  an         .         .         .         .         .         .         .123 

Athenians,  Burial-place  of  the       ......     23 

Atherton,  Humphry  .         .         .         .         .".         .        iii 

Attorney -at-law.  On  an  .         .         .         .         .         .         •  174 

Auricular,  John        .         .         .         .         .         .         ...        159 

Babe,  On  a  little 157-188 

Babes,  On  two  .......  98-156 

,  On  three  ........     99 

Babylonians,  Treatment  of  their  Dead         ....  17 

Bactrian  Obsequies       .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .18 

Bailey,  Lydia 113 

,  Thomas  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         -179 

Baker,  Rhoda  C .119 

Baldner,  Elizabeth         ........   109 

201 


202 


INDEX. 


Baldner,  Henriette    . 
Barber,  Captain     . 

,  John     . 

Barker,  Herman,  Jr. 
Barry,  Thomas 
Bartholomew,  Isaac 

B ,  Cora     . 

Beekinan,  William 
Bend  Children,  The 
Bent,  Jane 
Berkeley,  Norborne 
Bishop,  Samuel 
Blair,  Samuel 
Boatman,  On  a     . 
Boatswain  (a  do^^).  On 
Bombastic  Epitaphs 
Bone  Fort 
Bone-pits 

B ,  Oswald  E      . 

Bottetourt,  Lord 
Boudinot,  Elias 
Bowden,  Betty     . 
Bowers,  Josiah 
Boyer,  Lewis 
Boylston,  Zabdiel     . 
Brackett,  Joshua 
Bradford,  William 
Brant,  John 

•,  Joseph 

Breck,  John 
Brickmaker,  On  a     . 
Bridgman,  Mary 
Brock,  Sir  Isaac 
Brown,  John 

,  Zephaniah 

B ,  Thomas 

Buel,  Mrs.  Mary 


109 

173 

140 

194 
98 

13s 

152 
97 
96 

191 

55 
138 
"4 

93 
118 

105 

H 

H 
122 

55 
114 
164 

»38 
120 

.36 
137 
56 
SO 
SO 
74 
143 
93 

53 

186 

139 

94 
ia6 


IKSBZ. 


203 


Buffalo i     S2 

Burmese,  Funeral  Rites  of  the 19 

Butler,  Benjamin .  108 

Cabbage,  Miss 159 

Caesar  the  Ethiopian  . 1 16 

Captain,  On  a  sea-     .         .  .....       197 

Carpenter,  Mtha loi 

,  Ona 143 

C ,  Edward .         .         .155 

Cemeteries  of  Russia        .......         24 

,  Our  Modern ,  .         .30 

Centic  Epitaph         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .        181 

Champlin,  Christopher  .......  141 

Charley  and  Varley,  On 153 

Cheyenne  Indian,  Disposal  of  the  Dead  .         .         .         •     ^9 

Chinese  Places  of  Sepulture      ......         24 

Chipman,John     .........   138 

Cholera,  On  a  victim  of  ......         83 

Cists,  Limestone  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         '15 

Cities  of  Silence        .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         22 

Claghorn,  Lydia  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .164 

Clapp,  Thomas         ........         18 

Clark,  Thomas,  and  Wife       .         .         .         .         .         .         .81 

Clergyman,  On  a     .         . 190 

Clink,  Homer 185 

Clinton,  George 46 

Coddington,  William 48 

Coggeshall,  John      . 48 

Cole,  Cary 180 

Collins,  Thomas .198 

Conway,  Betty 163 

Cook,  Mary 71 

Coolie  Emigrant,  Superstition  of  the 24 

Coroner,  On  a  ........        144 

Cottone,  Johannes 120 

Country  Doctor,  On  a 176 


204 


IICDBX. 


Creer,  Sam 

Cremation,  First,  in  U 
Cremationist,  On  a 
Crighton,  Robert 
Crouch,  Margaret 
Cushman,  Thomas 
Custis,  John 
Cutter,  John     . 

,  Samuel     . 

C ,  Wm.     . 


Darling,  Betsey 
Davenport,  Daniel 
Davis,  Basil 
Dawes,  Thomas 
Day,  Elizabeth     . 
Dead,  Disposal  of  the 
Dean,  John 
Democrat,  On  a 
Dentist,  On  a 
Deutcher,  Louisa 
Devotional  Epitaphs 
Dickinson,  Moses     .  - 

D ,  Mrs. 

Dog,  on  a  Scientific 
Dolmens 
Donnell,  Samuel 
Douglass,  Stephen  A. 
Dudley,  Thomas     . 
Dwight,  John 

Eaton,  Governor     . 
Eccentric  Epitaphs 
Egyptian  Burial  Places 
Eliza,  On 
Ellery,  Christopher 
Embalming,  Practice  of 
Eminent  Personages,  On 


-   153 
197 

19s 

"5 

131 

150 

125 

68 

77 

150 
144 

47 

73 

16 
124 

123 

144 

73 
89 
72 

85 
192 

16 

56 
60 

180 
71 

162 
149 

23 

78 
116 

17 
39 


INDEX. 


205 


Epitaphs,  Origin  of 

,  Construction  of      ^ 

,  Collections  of 

,  Manuscript 

,  Varieties  of 

Ethiopian  Mode  of  Sepulture 
Evans,  Mrs.  Annie  L. 

,  William     . 

Eve's  burial  place 

Farrell,  Andrew     . 
Festivals  of  the  Dead 
Fisher,  Horace 
Fiske,  Moses     . 
Fishermen,  On  Three 
Flint,  Josiah 
Flowers  at  Funerals 
Foster,  Susan  P. 
Franklin,  Benjamin 

,  Elizabeth 

French,  William     . 
Funeral  Emblems 

Gibbs,  Sarah  S.       . 

Glazier,  On  a 

Glover,  John 

Gold,  Mary 

Grant,  William 

Granther  and  Granny,  On 

Graves,  Gardens  of 

Greeks,  Customs  of  the 

Gridley,  Josiah 

Guanches,  Treatment  of  the  Dead 

Hall,  Deaconne 
Hamilton,  Alexander 
Hancock,  G.  M.  &  J.  H. 
Hartwell,  Joseph  &  Betsey 


.     26 
32 

•  33 
195 

•  30 

18 

.   100 

68 

.     16 

139 
12 

75 

"3 

125 
112 

22 

161 

4^ 

182 
22 

79 

•  144 

58 

•  173 
140 

•  154 

21 

.     19 
187 

•  17 

113 

.     54 

58 

.  185 


206 


INDEX. 


Harvard,  John 

Helder,  Edward  .  . 

H ,  D.J. 

Hawkins,  Zac<iAriah  &  family 

H ,  Henry 

Hill,  Ellen 

H ,  1.  H.  .  •  , 

Hodge,  Hugh  .  , 

Holt,  John 

Holjoke,  Marl  .  , 

Homesick,  On  the 

Hooker,  John  .  . 

Hunt,  Ammey        .  . 

Huit,  Ephre  m  .  . 

Husband,  On  a       . 

Incremation,  Practice  of 
Inscriptions,  Earliest  Recorders  of 

In  Early  Imperial  Times 

In  the  Middle  Ages 

,  Modern 

on  National  Monuments 

Insurance  Co.,  Epitaph  on  an 
Interment,  Practice  of 
Introduction 
Isabel,  Aunt 

Jack,  John 
Jackson,  Nathan     . 

■ ,  Mrs.  Rachel     . 

Jefferson,  Thomas 
Jenkins,  Richard 
Jewett,  David 
Jenking,  Samuel 
Johnson,  James 

,  Samuel  . 

Jones,  David  , 
,  Mrs.      .  , 


45 

lOO 

191 

173 
i6o 

137 
117 

105 
93 
114 
170 
105 
95 

16 

27 
27 

29 

30 
30 

198 
16 
II 

100 

108 
123 

125 

40 
154 
135 

83 
156 

46 
122 

15s 


INDEX. 


207 


h 


Jones'  Twins 

70 

Jourdan,  Patrick 

•             •             • 

.165 

Knapp,  Lewis 

161 

K ,  Mary 

t             •             • 

•    77 

Knowles,  John 

175 

Lady,  On  a  Colored 

•             •             • 

• 

.  150 

,  On  an  Old 

174 

,  On  a  Young 

t             • 

121-150-164 

L ,  Alice 

94 

Lap] lender,  Funeral  Custom  of  the 

.     22 

Lathrop,  Joshua     . 

137 

Laudatory  Epitaphs 

.105 

Lavan,  Ann 

190 

Lawrence,  John 

.  127 

Lee,  Jesse 

132 

Leland,  John     . 

.    S8 

Lettig,  Peter 

160 

Lewis,  Charles 

.  no 

Lincoln,  Abraham 

60 

Little,  Daniel 

.    69 

Little  Jerry,  On      . 

149 

L ,  John  D. 

•  153 

Locksmith,  On  a 

»S7 

Lomax,  Abbie 

.  18s 

Lord,  Richard 

112 

Lowder,  Mary  Ann 

.  IS9 

Loyalist,  On  an  American 

127 

Lucas,  John 

•   '         •             • 

.  116 

Ludicrous  Epitaphs 

•             •             • 

149 

Ludlam 

•             •             • 

.81 

Macclintock,  Samuel 

•             •             • 

97 

Mariner,  On  an  Old 

•             •             • 

.  143 

Martin,  John 

•             •             • 

.126 

Marvin,  Reynold 

•             •             •         • 

.  124 

Mary  Jane,  On 

•             •             « 

192 

208 


INDEX. 


Mather,  Azariah  .  , 

Matlock,  John  .  . 

Mechanic,  On  a  . 

Memorialp,  The  Earliest      . 
MelHsh,  Sarah 
Mercer,  Hugh    ^     . 
M'llard,  Mary  .  , 

Michal  T ,  Mrs. 

Miller,  Charlie 
Miscellaneous  Epitaphs 
M'Kean,  Robert 
McKinstrj,  Alexander 

M ,  Madora 

Mohammedans,  Burial  Places  of  the 
Money-lender,  On  a      .  .       . 

Montcalm,  Marquis  de 
Montgomery,  Richard  . 

Mongol  Tartars,  Customs  of  the 
Monument,  Battle 

,  Brock 

Monumental  Inscriptions  , 

Monument,  Lincoln  . 

Mo:>dy,  Joseph 
Moore,  Samuel 
Morris,  Judah 
Mounds  and  Tumuli 
Mount,  Elizabeth  J. 

,  Marietta  C. 

Mulligan,  Wm. 

Nannestad,  Lars     . 

Ned,  On  Sarvint 

Newel,  Samuel 

Nootka  Sound,  Mode  of  Burial  at 

N ,  Robert 

Noyes,  Daniel      ,     , 

O'C ,  John 


107 
13a 

H3 

13 
91 

49 

"5 
181 

197 
179 
136 
107 

9^ 
23 

17s 

45 

57 
J9 

-40r 

53 
II 

60 

127 
119 
181 

126 

127 

157 

141 

123 

90 

20 

122 

80 

121 


INDEX. 


209 


Ogden,  David 
Oliver,  E.  Pluribus  Unum 
Oonalaska,  Mode  of  Interment  at 
Orono         .  ,  , 

Our  Charlie      .  ... 

Our  Mattie  . 

Parks,  Rebecca 

Parks,  Thomas  R.,  Jr. 

Parsees,  Mode  of  Sepulture  of  the 

Paul,  Silas 

Pease,  Solomon 

P ,  Edward 

Perry,  O.  H. 

,  C.  G. 

Peruvians,  Treatment  of  their  Dead 

P ,  John  &  A. 

,  Mrs.  L. 

Polk,  Zeke 
Poole,  William 
Preble,  Abraham 
Prentice,  Thos. 
Professional  Epitaphs 
Professor,  On  a  Chemical 
Punning  Epitaphs 
Putnam,  Israel 

Rankin,  John, 

Reed,  Elizabeth  McF. 

R ,  Edward 

Reed,  Joseph  ,  , 

R ,  John 

Richardson,  John 
Richmond,  Dr. 
Ridiculous  Epitaphs 

R m,  James  H. 

Robins,  W.  &  M.,  Children  of      . 
Roberts,  Elizabeth 


.  96 

IS9 

.  20 

52 

•         • 

.   100 

94 

.  76 

76 

.  18 

131 

■  163 

•      ) 

94 

•  5-2 

•         • 

5- 

.  17 

•         • 

188 

. 

.  151 

175 

.  67 

139 

.  118 

131 

.  176 

169 

.  59 

117 

.  124 

78 

•  57 

77 

.  90 

121 

•  149 

184 

.92 

106 

llvl 


iSAV                                                    IMDUA. 

Rogers,  John          .            .           .           .           . 

.    98 

,  Mrs.  Wing       .           .           . 

i7» 

Romans,  Customs  of  the               ... 

19-24 

Rooster,  On  a 

.        169 

Russian  Cemeteries           .... 

•    24 

Sarah  A. ,  On       . 

1S4 

Satirical  Epitaphs               .           .           .           . 

.  169 

Savery,  Pompey  (a  dog) 

133 

Scandinavians,  Funeral  Observances  of  the 

22 

Schoolmaster,  On  a     . 

173 

Seabury,  Samuel    ..... 

•    134 

S ,  Emma               .... 

78 

Sewell,J.  M 

.   138 

Sexton,  On  an  Old       .            .           .           . 

144 

Shell  Mounds          ..... 

IS 

Shrew,  On  a     . 

172 

Shockler,  John 

.  78 

Shute,  Mrs.  Amos 

.        .       82 

Sikkim  Obsequies              .... 

.19 

Singing-master,  On  a 

80 

S ,  John              .            .            .            .            . 

.  171 

,  Michael           ..... 

109 

Smith,  Caleb            .            .            .            .            . 

.132 

,  Chester             .           .           .  .         • 

72 

•  152 

195 

iirni: 

.  69 
74 

P  nrrrr   T? 

c;_„  Tirjii 

•  151 
157 

Sodd,  Carrie      .            .            .            . 

Sparta's  Dead,  Dwelling-places  of 

.    23 

Spear,  Deacon              .           .           .            . 

82 

Sprague,  Ruth        .           .           .           .           . 

.  171 

Stearns,  Edward           .            .            .            . 

182 

Steiners,  John          .            ,            . 

.    86 

Stearns,  Lucy               .            .           .            . 

183 

INDEX. 


211 


Stone  Mounds 

• 

f 

.    IS: 

Stone,  Mrs.  Abigail     . 

• 

• 

91 

Submit,  On            .            .            , 

• 

t 

.  179' 

Suicide,  On  a 

• 

• 

186 

Sumner,  Job 

• 

• 

.           .116 

Sundry  Epitaphs 

• 

89. 

At    Augusta,  Me, 

• 

.  158 

Bradford,  Vt. 

t 

156 

Bedford,  Mass.    . 

• 

• 

75-93 

Bristol,  Conn.             . 

> 

.      iss 

Butler  Co.,  Ohio 

• 

• 

.  126 

Canton,  111. 

1 

99 

Carronbrook,  Ont. 

• 

, 

.     92 

Calvary,  Chicago,  111. 

« 

83-84-190 

Charleston,  S.  C. 

• 

t 

.     '      .    83 

Cincinnati,  Ohio 

• 

155 

Columbus 

, 

• 

.  100 

Damariscotta,  Me.    . 

162 

Dorchester,  Mass. 

, 

• 

174-190 

Dover,  Me.     . 

« 

• 

154 

Frankfort,  Pa.      . 

* 

• 

.    97 

Gettysburg,  Pa. 

. 

80 

Glastonburg,  Conn. 

• 

• 

.  154 

Greenwood,  N.  Y. 

• 

• 

102 

Hollis,  N.  H.        . 

• 

• 

•      92 

Ipswich,  Mass. 

85 

Keeysville,  N.  Y. 

• 

• 

156-169, 

Kingston,  Mass. 

1 

1 

102 

Lafayette,  Ind.      . 

• 

• 

.  162 

La  Pointe,  L.  S.        . 

a 

• 

153 

Ledyard,  Conn. 

• 

• 

.  162 

Litchfield,  Conn. 

• 

• 

68-85-90-99 

Lyons,  N.  Y- 

• 

• 

.  109. 

Martha's  Vineyard 

■ 

« 

191 

Middletown,  Conn.          , 

t 

• 

90-106-124 

Milan,  Ohio               . 

• 

t 

161 

Monadnock,  N.  H. 

• 

• 

.    9S> 

212 


INDEX. 


At  Mount  Auburn,  N.  Y. 
Nashville,  Tenn.  , 

New  Milford,  Conn. 
New  Preston,  Conn. 
New  Orleans,  La.    , 
Oxford,  N.  H.      . 
Pittsburg,  Pa 
Portland,  Me. 
Portsmouth,  N.  H. 
Richmond,  Va. 
Rigefield,  Conn. 
Rushville,  N.  Y. 
Rjegate,  Vt.  . 

Saratoga,  N.  Y.  ■     , 

Schenectady,  N.  Y. 
Sterling,  Miss.  , 

Sturbridge,  Mass. 
Sutton,  Vt. 
Trenton,  N.J. 
Toronto,  Ont.      . 
Washington,  Conn. 
Waukegan,  111. 
Westfield,  Mass, 
Yorkville,  Ont.    . 
Sunseeto,  On 

Taylor,  Edward 

T ,  Daughter  of     . 

Tekarihogea 
Thatcher,  Partridge     . 
Thayendangea        .  .  . 

Thayer,  Ebenezer 
Thermopylae,  On  those  who  Fell  at 
Thibetans,  Disposal  of  their  Dead, 
'Thomas,  Sarah 

,  Richard  .  , 

Thompson,  On 
Thomson,  Benjamin  . 
,  Jonathan 


I02 

.  i6o 

195 

68^1-183 

170 

.  160 

158 

.  162 

98 

-  •  93 

84 

.  191 

79 

.  Ill 

151 

•  194 

75 
.  119 

lOI 

158-188-1S9 

III 

.  159 

70 

.  81 

51 

.  196 
109 

•  50 
183 

•  50 
133 

•  30 
18 

.  164 

76 

.  174 

136 

,  108 


INDEX 


Thornhill,  Richard      . 
Tonquinese  Obsequies 
Tract-peddler,  On  a 
Tute,  Amos  .  . 

Twins,  On  Two 

Uncas,  Samuel       .   . 
Urn  Burial 
Usher,  John 

Vanderpool,  Sarah 

Wang,  Henry 
V/arner,  Seth 
Warrior,  On  the    . 
Warren,  Anne 

W ,  Sarah  H. 

Warren,  Joseph 
Washington,  George 
Wayne,  Anthony 
Weibergs,  Casper  D. 
Webster,  Daniel 
Welshman,  Funeral  Custom 
Wen,  On  a  man  with  a 
Wheelock,  Eleazer 
Wife  of  an  Early  Settler 

a  Sea-captain 

'WilkihS,  Isaac  "  , 

Willett,  Thomas 
Williams,  Joseph 
Wilson,  John  T.     . 
Wives,  On  Several 
Wolfe  and  Montcalm 
Woman,  On  a  Tired 
Woodruff,  Jennet 
Wright,  Robert 
Wyman,  Charles 

Yale,  Elihu 
Youngster,  On  a 
Youth,  On  a    .  , 


of  the 


213 

143 
.    19 

i6a 
.  183 

197 

•  51 
16 

.  13s 

lao 

.  191 
117 

•  193 
141 

.  109 

49 

•  39 
S8 

.  133 

•P 
.    22 

"S 

•  47 

82 

.  8s 
128 

.  57 
180 

.  190 
170 

.  44 
18S 

.  114 
184 

.    6S 

47 

.  163 

170-189 


